Research Associate in Cellular RNA Biology

About Us

The Randall Centre for Cell & Molecular Biophysics is situated within the School of Basic & Biomedical Sciences (BMBS) and is part of the Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine. It is involved in a wide range of fundamental research projects at the interface between biology, biomedicine, chemistry and physics.

The Conte lab in the Randall Centre for Cell & Molecular Biophysics has been interested in elucidating the molecular mechanisms of protein-RNA interactions involving intrinsic disordered regions underlying function and relevant for diseases, especially cancer.

The lab is located at King’s College London, London UK (Guy’s Campus). 

About the role

The Conte lab seeks a skilled Research Associate in RNA Cellular Biology with expertise in RNA-binding proteins, RNA biology, microscopy and cross-linking IP methodologies.

The post holder will work on a BBSRC funded project to elucidate the Syntax of Protein Disorder in RNA-Binding Function. The research aims at uncovering how intrinsically disordered regions in proteins contribute to RNA-binding specificity and RNP regulation, and how perturbations and modifications in these regions shape RNA networks in cells. The post holder will work in close synergism with biophysics and structural biology experts to provide a comprehensive understanding of molecular mechanisms and their functional impact.

This is an opportunity to work in a truly inter- and multidisciplinary setting at the interface of protein disorder, RNA regulation, and network biology. We seek a candidate passionate about RNA biology who wants to contribute to cutting-edge research. 

This is a full-time post 35 hours per week and you will be offered a fixed term contract until 3rd October 2028, starting no sooner than 1st January 2026.

The role is based fully on-site.

Research staff at King’s are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development. This entitlement, from the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7. Visit the Centre for Research Staff Development for more information.

About You

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

• PhD in cellular/molecular biology, biochemistry, biomedical science or related discipline *
• Extensive expertise in cellular biology and molecular biology 
• Extensive experience in methodologies to investigate protein and RNA interactions in cells (e.g. CLIP, LC-MS/MS, proximity labelling)
• Expertise in confocal microscopy, subcellular localisation and FRET analyses 
• Experience in bioinformatic analysis of sequencing and proteomics data 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Evidence of publications in RNA biology in high-profile journals

* Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6. 

Desirable criteria

• Excellent communication skills 
• Experience with student supervision 
• Evidence of interdisciplinary work in the area of RNA biology 
• Knowledge of in vitro/biophysical investigations in RNA biology

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