Research Assistant in Harwell

Science and Technology Facilities Council

Salary: Band C (S2) £32,315 per annum

Hours: Full-Time (We understand the importance of work-life balance, and are happy to discuss the possibility of flexible working with applicants)

Contract Type: Fixed-Term (12 Months)

Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire

Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers, technicians, and business support team explore the unknown and turn what they find into work that changes the world around us. Whether it is sending probes into space or finding new ways to treat cancer, everyone here plays a vital role in making a positive difference to society.

Come and discover how much you can achieve when you are surrounded by world-leading experts, encouraged to constantly learn, and empowered to explore your curiosity.

About the Role

Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer‑related mortality worldwide, causing 17,700 deaths each year in the UK alone. This project aims to develop an integrated lab‑on‑chip imaging platform for bowel cancer screening using complex human faecal samples, combining microfluidic sample processing with advanced optical microscopy. The work will involve 3D‑printed microfluidic components, super‑resolution imaging approaches, and automated image‑analysis methods to enable sensitive and efficient detection of adenomatous cells. The research will establish a foundation for future clinical translation and has the potential to improve screening and diagnostic workflows by streamlining sample preparation, analysis, and interpretation, with long‑term benefits for earlier detection and improved patient outcomes.

We are seeking a motivated and well‑organised researcher with strong analytical skills and a collaborative mindset to join the team as a Research Assistant. The role will involve developing and integrating 3D‑printed microfluidic devices with a custom super‑resolution optical microscope, as well as contributing to image analysis and data‑processing workflows. You will work on analytical and computational methods, including advanced microscopy image analysis and automated cell detection. The post also involves supporting preclinical validation studies using model biological samples and delivering quantitative assessments of system performance. The personnel will be co-supervised by Profs. Lin Wang at STFC and Simon Buczacki at the University of Oxford.

The Research Assistant will become an active member of a small research team embedded within a large national imaging facility, benefiting from close supervision, strong mentorship, and access to extensive resources and technical support. The role offers comprehensive training in the development and prototyping of advanced optical microscopy systems, as well as exposure to a wide range of optical imaging techniques and their applications across biological and medical sciences. You will also have opportunities to present research outcomes in a dynamic, collaborative environment and at national and international conferences.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in the development and integration of 3D‑printed microfluidic devices with a custom optical imaging platform.
• Support experimental workflows combining microfluidic sample processing with advanced microscopy.
• Perform image processing, data analysis, and computational workflows, including automated cell‑detection approaches.
• Support preclinical validation studies using model biological samples.
• Deliver quantitative assessments of system performance and experimental outcomes.
• Participate in research dissemination through internal reporting, collaborative discussions, and presentations at conferences.

Shortlisting Criteria

(Please note the criteria below will be assessed at Shortlisting or Interview stage as indicated)

• A motivated and well‑organised person from Bioengineering, Biophysics, Physics or Biology background, with a strong interest in biomedical or imaging research. (S)
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with attention to detail. (S)
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary research team. (S)
• Willingness and capacity to learn new experimental, analytical, and computational techniques. (S)
• Experience or demonstrated aptitude in developing and integrating 3D‑printed microfluidic devices or similar laboratory systems. (S&I)
• Experience or demonstrated aptitude in optical microscopy and image‑analysis workflows, including automated or computational analysis. (S&I)
• Experience or aptitude in working with biological samples and supporting preclinical or validation studies. (S&I)
• Ability to perform quantitative data analysis and contribute to the evaluation of system and experimental performance. (S&I)

Employee Benefits:

We are offering a 1-year fixed term contract with a whole host of benefits including:

• 30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days)
• An excellent average salary pension scheme
• Employee shopping/travel discounts
• Learning and development opportunities

Link to more benefits: https://stfccareers.co.uk/rewards-and-benefits/

We ask some of the biggest questions in the universe, to answer some of the biggest challenges in the world. Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers, and business-support team explore the unknown across every field you could think of. And they turn what they find into work that changes the world around us.

What could you achieve with the world-leading facilities and experts of one of Europe's largest research organisations by your side? Join us and discover what is possible!

Please note, if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK, as part of your sponsorship application, you and any dependants traveling with you, will be required to pay costs directly to The Home Office for the application before you start your role with us. UKRI is normally able to reimburse some, or all of these fees after you have become an employee and this can be discussed with the Hiring Manager. For more information, please visit Skilled Worker visa: How much it costs - GOV.UK