Research Associate (Chemical Adherence Testing)

Vacancy terms: Full-time, or job share, fixed term contract for 12 months from 15 July 2025

Salary details: Grade 7 - £39,355 per annum, pro rata if part-time (capped due to funding)

Hours per week: 37.5

About the role

We are seeking a Research Associate to join the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences at the University of Leicester, working within the world-leading team in Chemical Adherence Testing. This full-time, fixed-term role will see you lead the discovery and development of targeted assays using LC-MS/MS to quantify medications, contributing to the verification and validation of biomarkers in large external cohorts. You will be based at the state-of-the-art van Geest MultiOMICs facility, part of a vibrant research ecosystem that includes the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre and the National Centre for Adherence Testing.

You will collaborate closely with a distinguished team of researchers and clinicians, including Associate Professor Pankaj Gupta and Professor Don Jones, contributing to pioneering studies in pharmacokinetics and non-adherence to medication. The role also involves supporting clinical studies, supervising PhD students, and disseminating findings through publications and conferences. This is a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of translational research in a highly supportive and innovative environment.

About you

You will hold a PhD or equivalent in a relevant discipline such as Bioinformatics, Proteomics, Metabolomics, or Analytical Chemistry, and have a strong track record in LC-MS platforms, particularly with the TQ-XS triple quadrupole instrument. You will bring proven analytical and problem-solving skills, experience in developing study protocols through NHS systems, and the ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative research team. Proficiency in R and a sound understanding of statistics are essential.

You will be an excellent communicator, capable of translating complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences, and committed to continuous professional development. Experience in method development for medications, robotics for sample preparation, and successful supervision of students will be advantageous.

At Leicester, we value inclusivity, inspiration, and impact, and we are proud to offer a research environment that supports your growth and encourages you to be a Citizen of Change.

For more information, please see Job Summary Form.

Additional information

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Pankaj Gupta on Pankaj.Gupta@uhl-tr.nhs.uk or Dr Dan Lane on dwl8@leicester.ac.uk.

Applications for job share will be considered. 

As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 because the appointee will have substantial access to young people and/or vulnerable adults. Therefore, an appointment to this post will be subject to checking and appropriate clearance through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The successful applicant for this post will, therefore, be required to give consent for the University to check with the DBS for the existence and content of any criminal record in the form of an Standard Disclosure. Information received from the DBS and the police will be kept in strict confidence and will be destroyed once the University is satisfied in this regard.

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