Research Assistant

Fixed term (1 year), full time
Closing date: 23:59 on 17 November 2025
Interviews will be held: w/c 24 November 2025

Due to the complexity of the Skilled Worker Visa route and eligibility criteria, applicants requiring sponsorship are recommended to check their eligibility on the Home Office website. We cannot provide advice to candidates at the application stage and will only discuss visa routes with candidates who are invited to interview.

We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Research Assistant to join our multi-disciplinary research team in the School of Biological Sciences, investigating the role of bile acids as nutraceuticals. The project is in collaboration with an Industrial partner, which will provide the successful candidate an opportunity to be involved in wider research discussions with Industry.

The successful candidate will be able to assist and conduct: in vitro fermentation experiments, Flow-FISH, SCFA analysis and metabolite analysis, RNAseq analysis, molecular biology, cell culture and qPCR analysis. As a minimum, the expected workflow will include assessment of microbiota changes and metabolite generation. Additionally, the poster holder will be expected to assist with aspects of Clinical Trials research, including collecting and analysing faecal, urine and blood samples.

The successful candidate will possess a commitment to high quality research, show excellent attention to detail and keep accurate records, and be both a team player and an independent thinker/researcher.

The successful candidate will have:

• Minimum skill level equivalent to achievement of BSc in related field. MSc or PhD would be advantageous.
• Strong laboratory/research skills in a closely related field.
• Experience of anaerobic microbiology (sterile techniques).
• Experience of separation and identification techniques (such as GC, HPLC).
• Understanding of in vitro determinants of gut fermentation.
• Preparation of biological samples/specimens (faecal analysis, blood and urine analysis would be beneficial).
• Ability to learn new techniques quickly and work independently.
• Very good communication skills and experience of working in a multidisciplinary team.

Contact details
Contact Name Professor Kim Watson
Contact Job Title Professor of Structural Biochemistry
Contact Email Address k.a.watson@reading.ac.uk

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

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