University of Leeds
Research Assistant in Structural Cell Biology
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Salary: Grade 6 (£33,951 - £39,906 p.a.)
This role will be based on the university campus. We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements.
Are you an early career researcher looking for your first challenge? Do you have a background in cell biology, structural biology, or molecular immunology? Do you want to further your career in one of the UK’s leading research intensive Universities?
We are seeking a motivated and adaptable Research Assistant to join a recently established research group led by Dr. Helen Foster and supported by an Academy of Medical Sciences Springboard Award. Our group is focused on understanding how cytoskeletal networks within immune cells are regulated, how this is modified during immune stimulation, and how this is perturbed in disease. To tackle these questions, we use an exciting combination of approaches spanning structural and cell biology, including live cell imaging, super-resolution light microscopy, in situ structural biology, and mass spectrometry.
In this role, you will:
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- Support ongoing research projects
- Optimise methods for super-resolution imaging of immune cell contacts
You should have prior experience of laboratory work and an enthusiasm for building new skills in a collaborative and dynamic environment. Full hands-on training will be provided, and there will be opportunities to explore techniques and research directions that match your own interests and strengths, making this an excellent opportunity to develop your research career.
The University of Leeds and the Faculty of Biological Sciences are committed to providing equal opportunities for all and offer a range of family-friendly policies. The University is a charter member of Athena SWAN (the national body that promotes gender equality in higher education), and the Faculty of Biological Sciences was re-awarded a Silver award in 2025. We are proud to be an inclusive Faculty that values all staff, and are happy to consider job share applications and requests for flexible working arrangements from our employees. Our Athena SWAN webpage provides more information.
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Salary Requirements Of The Skilled Worker Visa Route
Please note that due to Home Office visa requirements, this role may only be suitable for first-time Skilled Worker visa applicants if they are eligible for salary concessions.
For more information please visit: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent.
Please note: If you are not a British or Irish citizen, you will require permission to work in the UK. This will normally be in the form of a visa but, if you are an EEA/Swiss citizen, this may be your status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:
Dr. Helen Foster, Lecturer in cryo-electron tomography
Email: h.e.foster@leeds.ac.uk
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