Research Assistant/Research Fellow - 16635

Location: Brunel University London, Uxbridge Campus

Hours: Full-time (part-time applications welcome) Contract Type: Fixed-term (1 January 2026 – 31 August 2027)

Brunel University of London was established in 1966 and is a leading multidisciplinary research-intensive technology university delivering economic, social and cultural benefits.

For more information please visit: https://www.brunel.ac.uk/about/our-history/home

Information on the Department of Biosciences and the Centre for Genome Engineering and Maintenance can be found here:

• https://www.brunel.ac.uk/biomedical-sciences
• https://www.brunel.ac.uk/research/Centres/Genome-Engineering-and-Maintenance

The Role

The Castro Lab is recruiting a Research Assistant (MSc/BSc) or Research Fellow (PhD) funded by the the Academy of Medical Sciences Springboard Award. This position provides an excellent opportunity for a motivated postgraduate or postdoctoral scientist seeking further training in cutting-edge molecular biology, super-resolution imaging, and genomics.

The project focuses on understanding nuclear pore complex (NPC) biology, with particular attention to Nup153 and its structural and functional roles during viral infection. The successful applicant will investigate Nup153–HIV-1 interactions using a range of biochemical, molecular, and imaging approaches.

Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in tissue culture and core molecular biology techniques such as Western blotting and immunofluorescence. Priority will be given to candidates with a proven track record in these areas. However, applicants with strong backgrounds in virology (HIV) eager to be trained in molecular and imaging techniques are also encouraged to apply.

• Fellow candidates should hold a PhD in Molecular Biology, Genomics, or a related discipline.
• Assistant(Technician) candidates (MSc/BSc) are also welcome.
• A part-time appointment (0.7–0.8 FTE) may be considered for candidates with caring responsibilities.

Research Environment

The Castro Lab is newly established within Brunel’s vibrant Uxbridge campus, which offers high-end microscopy facilities, including a Nikon Spinning Disk and Deep-SIM microscope, as well as access to molecular biology, genomics, and bioinformatics support. The department hosts weekly seminars with world-renowned invited speakers, fostering a dynamic and collaborative research environment.

We offer a generous annual leave package plus discretionary University closure days, excellent training and development opportunities as well as a great occupational pension scheme and a range of health-related support.

This project will run from 1st January 2026 for a duration of 2years (depending on the fellow/assistant or part-time applications).

Closing date for applications: 24 November 2025 (23:59pm)

Interviews will take place the following week in person (remote options will be made available)

For further details about the post including the Job Description and Person Specification and to apply please click the Apply button.

For informal inquiries please contact Ines Castro ines.castro@brunel.ac.uk

If you have any technical issues please contact us at: hrsystems@brunel.ac.uk

All Applicants should be eligible to live and work in the UK for the duration of any offer of appointment.

Brunel University London is fully committed to creating and sustaining a fully inclusive workforce culture. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities, we particularly welcome applicants who are currently under-represented in our workforce.

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