Research Assistant (Fixed Term)
Applications are invited from enthusiastic, motivated and experienced Research Assistants to join the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute to work in the Sinha group. This post is funded for 13 months and will be initially 1 month full time, and then 12 months 50% FTE.
The successful candidate will support the smooth running of tissue culture activities and carry out research studies on animals as part of wider research activities. Duties will include: performing experimental procedures, tissue culture of pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiovascular cells such as beating cardiomyocytes, for 2D line generations or production of engineered heart constructs, and other bioengineering techniques.
Molecular techniques such as RNA extraction and qRT-PCR, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry will be required, along with standard laboratory management practices such as stock maintenance, planning and record keeping. Additional techniques will include protein isolation and quantification from cells and human tissue to perform Western Blot and immunoprecipitation.
There will also be the opportunity to learn a novel technique that involves slicing of ultrathin sections of living human hearts and perform extended culture in vitro, to study the functional response of the tissue to different degrees of mechanical load.
There is also an opportunity to conduct experimentation alone or in collaboration for individual and/or collaborative research projects; including helping with the planning and design of experiments, and collection and analysis of data. They will also assist with housekeeping and safety in the research laboratories and liaise regularly with their line managers, PI and other lab members.
The ideal candidate will have a BSc, or higher, in a biological subject, together with experience in areas of relevance to the research group. Excellent organisational skills and the ability to work as part of a team, as well as independently, are also essential, along with having a high degree of precision and accuracy and communication skills.
The Cambridge Stem Cell Institute is the largest Stem Cell Institute in Europe and a world-leading centre for stem cell research and regenerative medicine. Scientists collaborate to advance our knowledge of stem cell biology and tissue repair and to perform pioneering work in translational research areas, providing the foundation for new medical treatments including those for the damaged heart. The institute boasts a large number of core facilities, including an imaging, flow cytometry and histology facility.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 30 September 2026 in the first instance.
Informal enquiries should be directed to Professor Sanjay Sinha (SS661@cam.ac.uk).
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.
Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.
Closing date: 2nd July 2025
Interview date: to be confirmed
Please quote reference PS46363 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
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