Research Assistant in Reproductive Biology

Faculty of Medicine and Health

Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Medicine

Are you an early career researcher looking for your first challenge? Do you have a background in placental physiology/biology? Do you want to further your career in one of the UK’s leading research intensive Universities?

This is an excellent opportunity for you to join the team of Dr Karen Forbes and Professor Eleanor Scott to work on an MRC funded project investigating the role of extracellular vesicles in regulation of placental and fetal growth in pregnancies complicated by maternal diabetes.

In this temporary role, the post holder will be be expected to assist in patient recruitment and placental tissue collection, as well as conducting experiments using primary human placental cell/tissue models, isolation and analysis of extracellular vesicle, and conducting molecular, cellular and metabolic assays.  

As a Research Assistant your main duties will include:

• Supporting research activities, including contributing to research results and outputs to ensure a successful programme of investigation;
• Assisting in the recruitment of patients and the collection and storage of human blood and tissue samples, in accordance with current Human Tissue Act guidelines, local ethics committee approval and regulatory guidelines;
• Planning and coordinating experiments involving human placental tissue and blood samples according to specific SOPs and protocols in compliance with regulatory requirements;
• Conduct experiments including isolation and characterisation of extracellular vesicles, conduct molecular, cellular and metabolic assays;
• Work with in close collaboration with other team members to assist in tissue harvests from pregnant mice;
• Occasional out-of-hours working;
• Working both independently and also as part of a larger team of researchers and stakeholders, engaging in knowledge-transfer activities where appropriate and feasible;
• Developing effective working relationships with internal members of staff and participating in and developing external networks;
• Evaluating methods and techniques used, and results obtained, by other researchers and to relate such evaluations appropriately to your own work;
• Participating in the research group including preparing research reports and presenting research outputs where appropriate;
• Performing routine laboratory tasks and duties including reagent ordering, COSHH assessment and safety training;
• Acting at all times in accordance with the University’s policies and procedures relating to Health and Safety, Equal Opportunities, and all other policies and procedures that apply to the post;
• Contributing to the research culture of the School, where appropriate;
• Continually updating your knowledge, understanding and skills in the research field.

These duties provide a framework for the role and should not be regarded as a definitive list.  Other reasonable duties may be required consistent with the grade of the post.

You will report to Dr Karen Forbes, Associate Professor in Molecular Endocrinology & Reproduction

Interview date 18 December 2025

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Dr Karen Forbes, Associate Professor in Molecular Endocrinology & Reproduction 

Email: k.a.forbes@leeds.ac.uk

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