At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a cutting-edge research team investigating brain development using human stem cells.
- Company: Centre for Developmental Neurobiology at King's College London, a leader in neuroscience research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic research environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Full-time role with access to state-of-the-art facilities and collaborative culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on understanding neurodevelopmental disorders with innovative brain organoid technology.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and hands-on experience with neural cell culture required.
The predicted salary is between 45031 - 52514 £ per year.
Department: Developmental Neurobiology
About us:
At the Centre for Developmental Neurobiology (CDN), we investigate the mechanisms governing the formation of the brain during embryonic development and in early postnatal life. This is based on the understanding that early experience shapes the way our brain is constructed. While the “ground plan” of the brain is genetically determined, it is also influenced by environmental experience. We are still far from a complete understanding of how these processes work. CDN is one of four departments in the School of Neuroscience at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience and is located at Guy’s campus. Researchers have access to support facilities in genotyping, molecular biology and Drosophila work. CDN has close partnership with the Medical Research Council (MRC) and CDN researchers, together with clinical researchers from King’s, make up the MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders.
About the role:
We are seeking a skilled and motivated postdoctoral scientist with experience and expertise in human stem cell culture to join our UKRI-funded Functional Genomics of Human Developing Brain cluster. This project focuses on investigating loss-of-function mutations in genes associated with neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders through comprehensive molecular and functional profiling of cortical organoids. The Research Associate will be involved in the development and implementation of a cutting-edge platform for generating brain organoids and assembloids from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and embryonic stem cells (hESCs). The successful candidate will undertake original research in the Brain Organoid Platform ensuring the highest standards of research excellence while maintaining detailed experimental records and contributing to the training of facility users. This is an exciting opportunity to develop a research project in a state-of-the-art brain organoids platform at the forefront of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorder research. The successful candidate will join a dynamic research environment with access to cutting-edge facilities and the opportunity to make significant contributions to understanding brain development and disease. This is a full time (35 Hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed-term contract until 13/05/2028.
About you:
To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:
- Essential criteria:
- PhD in Neuroscience, Developmental Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, or related field
- Extensive hands-on experience with in vitro culture of neural cells, especially with the culture and maintenance of human induced pluripotent and embryonic stem cells
- Experience in molecular biology procedures (e.g. western blot, quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence RNA sequencing and cloning)
- Experience with confocal microscopy imaging techniques
- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail
- Able to work independently in the design and execution of experiments
- Desirable criteria:
- Experience in generation and maintenance of neural organoids
- Experience using rodent experimental models in neuroscience
- Experience with single-cell RNA sequencing, including sample preparation, and bioinformatics tools for the analysis of sequencing datasets
- Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines
- Experience in supervising and training research personnel
Further Information:
At King’s, we believe that the diversity of our community and a culture that is welcoming, open, inclusive and collaborative, are great strengths of the university. The Equality Act of 2010 protects the rights of our students and staff and provides a framework to fulfil our duties to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and in addition, to advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between those who share a protected characteristic and those who do not. At times, this will include balancing rights and beliefs that can feel in tension. We are committed to free speech and to academic freedom, believing that our foundational purpose as a university, is to create spaces where a wide range of ideas, including ideas that are controversial, can be discussed and debated, and where members of our community can express lawful views without fear of intimidation, harassment or discrimination. When engaging in the robust exchange of ideas, we ask that our community is mindful of our Dignity at King’s guidance.
We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the person specification section of the job description. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is evolving rapidly, and we recognise its growing role in professional work. Applicants may use AI tools to support preparation of their application, for example to research the role or structure written responses. However, applications must reflect the applicant’s own work and experience. AI tools should not be used during interviews or assessment activities unless this has been agreed in advance as a reasonable adjustment. Further guidance on the use of AI in recruitment can be found here.
We reserve the right to close adverts early due to the volume of applications we receive. While the closing date may change, all adverts will close at 23:59 to allow sufficient time for applications to be submitted on that day. We encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment as once we have closed a vacancy you will be unable to submit your application.
To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ‘How we Recruit’ pages.
Grade and Salary: £45,031 - £52,514 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance
Job ID: 155527
Post Date: 17-Aug-2026
Close Date: 14-Sep-2026
Contact Person: Jeronimo Jurado
Contact Details: jjurado@kcl.ac.uk
Research Associate at the Human Functional Genomics Initiative in London employer: King’s College London
King's College London is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises diversity and inclusion. Employees benefit from professional growth opportunities, competitive remuneration, and the chance to contribute to impactful research projects in the heart of Greater London, making it a rewarding environment for those passionate about advancing knowledge and innovation.
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We think this is how you could land Research Associate at the Human Functional Genomics Initiative in London
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We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate at the Human Functional Genomics Initiative in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show King’s College London that you have the hands-on skills they need.
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Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that King’s College London does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at King’s College London
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at King’s College London. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
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✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at King’s College London. This shows your passion for the industry!
