Research Assistant [Maternity Cover]

Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Cambridge is seeking a motivated Research Assistant for temporary cover. The role includes lab management and assisting in studies, requiring a BSc in biological sciences and practical lab experience. Desirable skills include molecular and cell biology, with responsibilities involving tissue culture, record keeping, and conducting experiments. A competitive salary range of £33,002-£35,608 is offered, along with opportunities for further training and development.

Qualifications

• At least BSc or equivalent in biological sciences.
• Practical laboratory experience required.
• Experience with molecular and cell biology is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist with a wide range of studies and experiments.
• Manage lab activities including record keeping and ordering reagents.
• Conduct experimental procedures like blood cell processing.

Skills

Attention to detail

Flexibility

Interpersonal skills

Education

BSc in biological sciences or related subject

Tools

Flow cytometry

Western blotting

Tissue culture

Job description

# Research Assistant [Maternity Cover]**Temporary cover: This post is fixed-term until 30th September 2026 or the return of the postholder, whichever is the earlier.**We are looking for a highly motivated Research Assistant to join the group of Professor George Vassiliou at the University of Cambridge Department of Haematology and Cambridge Stem Cell Institute (CSCI) (). You will be joining the group as cover for our Research Assistant while she is on maternity leave.The Vassiliou Group is a large multi-disciplinary lab with an outstanding record in studies of myeloid malignancy (e.g. Damaskou et al, Blood, 2025), clonal haematopoiesis (e.g. Gozdecka et al, Nature, 2025) and telomere biology (e.g. McLoughlin et al, Nat Genet, 2025). The group makes strong use of in vivo and in vitro modelling, genomic screening, functional assays and computational approaches including machine learning. We enjoy long-term funding including from Cancer Research UK, Blood Cancer UK and Kay Kendall Leukaemia Fund. We have strong links to other labs in the Department of Haematology and CSCI including through the Blood Cancer United and Blood Cancer UK Specialized Center of Research led by Professor Vassiliou. Our lab is based in the Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre within the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, the largest centre of medical research and health science in Europe. We have an excellent record in training lab members with many Research Assistants going on to PhDs and more senior members progressing to fellowships and leadership positions.As a Research Assistant your role will be split between lab management and assisting with a wide range of studies and experiments. Depending on skills and experience, you may be involved in e.g. tissue culture, blood cell processing, western blotting, library preparation, flow cytometry and other experimental procedures. General laboratory management may involve record keeping, ordering and preparation of reagents, equipment maintenance and the writing of risk assessments.You will have at least a BSc or equivalent in biological sciences or related subject as well as practical laboratory experience. Experience of molecular and cell biology and working with laboratory mice would be desirable. Attention to detail, flexibility, the ability to prioritise and excellent interpersonal skills are essential.Informal enquiries may be addressed to Professor George Vassiliou at [e-mail] 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: 22nd January 2026Interview date: 2nd February 2026Please quote reference RB48416 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.### Department/location### Salary£33,002-£35,608### ReferenceRB48416### Category### Date published24 December 2025### Closing date22 January 2026