Research Assistant

Location: Hammersmith Campus, Imperial London.

About the role:

This role helps to drive research seeking to discover new knowledge with the aim of transforming the lives of people living with the most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis. We are seeking a research assistant with experience of both biomedical laboratory sample management and clinical research to join Dr Fiona Watt’s Osteoarthritis Research Group. This research focusses on those who have earlier stage osteoarthritis and the analysis of factors including protein markers within the joint with the aim of identifying biomarkers of risk of progression of osteoarthritis. This knowledge is fundamental for successful translational work towards future clinical trials in the area, another focus for the group. 

The role is supported by Versus Arthritis funding. 

What you would be doing:

You will provide a critical service, linking the clinic and the laboratory, responsible for a range of patient and laboratory-facing activities. You will coordinate the screening of and obtaining written informed consent from participants, as well as the related acquisition, processing, storage and use of their biological samples and associated clinical data for ethically approved studies. You will participate in our group’s wider programme of research, working closely with others in the wider multidisciplinary team to do this. The role is full time onsite/in person working, and you will be prepared to travel to and between local sites and on occasions work outside of normal working hours. 

What we are looking for:

We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic and motivated, with appropriate knowledge, training and experience in both biomedical laboratory and clinical research settings, working with human research data and samples. You will be a highly organised and efficient individual with strong attention to detail who is an excellent communicator, comfortable working in diverse settings and with a range of people. You will be highly reliable, able to work both independently and as part of a team and to plan and prioritise your work, showing a creative approach to problem solving.

What we can offer you:

• Exciting project-focussed work which spans molecular and clinical data, to further cutting-edge translational research in this area
• A chance to work alongside and collaborate with field-leading researchers at Imperial, Oxford and beyond and broaden your networks
• A friendly, welcoming department (recently renewed Athena Swan Silver status)
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity
• Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes)
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing

Further Information

This is a full-time role. It is a fixed term for 24 months with potential opportunity to extend.

If you require any further details about the role, please contact Dr Fiona Watt - f.watt@imperial.ac.uk  

About Imperial

Welcome to Imperial, a global top ten university where scientific imagination leads to world-changing impact.

Join us and be part of something bigger. From global health to climate change, AI to business leadership, we navigate some of the world’s toughest challenges. 

Closing date: 23/10/2025

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