Research Assistant - Widening Participation Programme (Fixed Term)

Applications are invited for a Research Assistant to join the Institute of Metabolic Science - Metabolic Research Laboratories within the Clinical School at the University of Cambridge.

This role has the specific purpose of increasing the pool of researcher and technologist talent and widening access to a research-rich environment. The post is a 15-month placement and will be structured to support the development and training of highly motivated individuals from undergraduate degrees that offered limited laboratory experience and/or who have been otherwise disadvantaged.

Post-holders will obtain bespoke training opportunities within research groups and core facilities. Support will be provided for individuals interested in pursuing a higher degree at the end of the position. Those interested in pursuing technical roles in academia or industry will be offered relevant training and support, including via IMS-MRL networks.

Applicants must have a BSc or equivalent degree in Biology and/or Biochemistry or a related discipline. They should be highly motivated to work in a research environment, have excellent organisational and record keeping skills and be able to reliably deliver outcomes to agreed deadlines. They should have the ability to work independently when required but also able to work well within a team environment, using good communication skills.

This is a fixed term position for 15 months, starting in July 2026.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check, a health assessment and a security check.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and a CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

The closing date for applications is 24th May 2026.

Interviews will be held on Wednesday 3rd June 2026.

Please quote reference RG49492 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Apply online

Key information

Department/location: Department of Clinical Biochemistry

Salary: £33,002-£35,608

Reference: RG49492

Category: Research

Date published: 23 April 2026

Closing date: 24 May 2026