At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to explore how the actin cytoskeleton influences Wnt receptor complexes.
- Company: King's College London, a leading research institution with a collaborative environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development days, and opportunities for co-authorship.
- Other info: Engage in cutting-edge research with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in craniofacial research while developing your skills in a supportive lab.
- Qualifications: BSc in Biomedical Sciences and experience with molecular biology techniques required.
The predicted salary is between 39076 - 39076 £ per year.
This is a 3-year fixed-term, full-time Research Assistant position funded by a BBSRC research grant. The post holder will work within Karen Liu's Lab in the Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology at King's College London, working jointly with Matthias Krause's Lab at the Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London.
The overall aim of the project is to investigate how the actin cytoskeleton regulates the trafficking and activity of Wnt receptor complexes, combining molecular, cellular and imaging approaches to uncover new mechanisms that control the duration and strength of the Wnt response. The Research Assistant will work closely with PhD students and postdocs within the Liu and Krause labs, attending regular joint meetings.
Key desired experience includes:
- Experience with animal models, ideally Xenopus frogs or mouse.
Required skills include:
- Experience with molecular cloning
- Genome editing
- Protein biochemistry
- Microscopy
- Tissue culture
- Database maintenance
Engagement with research aims may lead to co-authorship. Additional training and career development opportunities for Research Assistants will be strongly encouraged. This is a full time (37.5 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract for 3 years. Research staff at King's are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development.
This post is subject to Occupational Health clearances. To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:
Essential Criteria:
- BSc in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Good general lab skills
- Experience of Molecular biology and developmental biology techniques, such as PCR, In situ Hybridisation, immunohistochemistry
- Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team
- Problem solving skills
- Organised record keeping and experimental planning
Desirable Criteria:
- Home office personal licence
- Excellent practical animal handling skills including Xenopus and mouse
- Experience with imaging approaches
- Familiarity with coding
This post will be based in Karen Liu's lab in the Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology (CCRB) at King's College London. The overall theme of CCRB is to investigate the mechanisms that control head development and repair, underpinning a broader understanding of the genetic basis of craniofacial malformations and disease. Research is multidisciplinary using different experimental models and techniques to explore cell signalling, transcriptional networks and cell behaviour during development and disease.
Another focus is studying the in vivo function and biology of stem cells in different craniofacial organs as well as their potential uses for clinical therapies involving the enhancement of natural repair processes and regenerative approaches. The department has over 60 research staff and major funding from the Medical Research Council, Biotechnology and Biomedical Science Research Council, ARC, Wellcome Trust and European Union. All the groups occupy newly refurbished laboratories and core facilities on floor 27 of Guy's Tower.
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.
Grade and Salary: £39,076 per annum including London Weighting Allowance
Job ID: 155666
Research Assistants employer: Kings College London
At King's College London, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. As a Senior Engineering Education Technician, you will have the opportunity to contribute to a vibrant academic environment while enjoying comprehensive benefits and professional development opportunities that support your growth. Located in the heart of London, our Strand Campus offers a dynamic setting where you can make a meaningful impact on students' educational journeys.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistants
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Kings College London. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Kings College London!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistants
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 Kings College London that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Kings College London.
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 Kings 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 Kings 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 Kings 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
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Kings College London's culture.
✨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 Kings College London. This shows your passion for the industry!
