Research Assistant in Cell Biology and Imaging

Research Assistant in Cell Biology and Imaging, Faculty of Biological Sciences

Salary: Grade 6 (£32,546 - £38,249p.a.)

This role will be based on the university campus. We are also open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

Are you an early career researcher looking for your first challenge?  Do you have a background in cell biology and imaging?  Do you want to further your career in one of the UK’s leading research intensive Universities?

We are seeking an outstanding Research Associate to join our dynamic, interdisciplinary research team focused on primary cilium proteins implicated in genetic disorders of the eye, kidney, nervous system, and skeleton. Funded by the UK BBSRC, this project aims to elucidate how these proteins organise and function inside cells using cutting-edge super-resolution imaging. By uncovering the molecular-level mechanisms of cilium function, we aim to deepen our understanding of how mutations in these proteins lead to disease.

For this role, you should have a degree in one of the biological sciences or a closely allied discipline. You should also have experience of protein production and purification, mammalian cell culture, and performing fluorescence microscopy (both sample preparation and image acquisition). You should also have strong laboratory and computational skills, and an interest in learning new techniques.

Salary Requirements of the Skilled Worker Visa Route 

Please note that due to Home Office visa requirements, this role may only be suitable for first-time Skilled Worker visa applicants if they are eligible for salary concessions. For more information please visit: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent.

What we offer in return

•    26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!

•    Generous pension scheme plus life assurance

•    Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.

•    Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.

•    Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: 

Dr Joe Cockburn, Lecturer

Email: j.j.b.cockburn@leeds.ac.uk 

Closing Date: 06 Aug 2025

Section: Research

Salary: £32,546 to £38,249 per annum