"Research Associate"

About Us

The School of Life Course & Population Sciences unites over 400 experts in women and children’s health, diabetes, nutritional sciences, population health and the molecular genetics of human disease. Our research links the causes of common health problems to life’s landmark stages, treating life, disease and healthcare as a continuum.

We are interdisciplinary by nature and this innovative approach works: REF 2021 ranked King’s the top UK institution for research, GPA and power of the 89 submissions in Allied Health Professions & Pharmacy (Pharmacy, Nutritional Sciences and Women's Health cluster).

About the role

We are looking for researcher to join the Laboratory of Professor Kevin O’Byrne, in the Department of Women and Children’s Health, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital Campus. Working within Professor O’Byrne’s teams, the post holder will provide high quality research commensurate with the MRC funded research involving cutting-edge technologies, including optogenetics, chemogenetics, CRISPR mutagenesis, and in-vivo electrophysiological and mini-endoscopic imaging of complex neural systems in the hypothalamic and limbic brain regions of conscious mice.

Current projects include examining the operational characteristics of the central regulator, the GnRH pulse generator, of the reproductive neuroendocrine system, and role of emotional limbic brain in reproduction and sexual behaviour.

This is a full-time role, and you will be offered a fixed term contract until 30 Sept 2027.

Research staff at King’s are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development. This entitlement, from the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7. Visit the Centre for Research Staff Development for more information.

About You

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1. PhD qualified in relevant subject area *
2. Significant experience in a wide range of laboratory techniques including stereotaxic neurosurgery, intra-cerebral viral construct injections, chemogenetic, optogenetic with GRIN lens mini-endoscopic monitoring of brain activity, and optogenetic with in-vivo electrophysiological monitoring of brain activity using optrodes. Transgenic mouse breeding. ELISA hormone assay
3. Proven successful independent, high-quality research in reproductive neuroendocrinology including evidence of publications of high-quality, peer-reviewed papers
4. Significant experience in designing, developing and managing research projects including leading or supporting the development and submission of grant applications and funding proposals

* Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.

Desirable criteria

1. Engaging in multidisciplinary research projects
2. Ability to promote and foster collaborative and interdisciplinary research
3. Ability to lead and manage a research team

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

Further Information

We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community.

We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King's.

As part of this commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and through this appointment process, it is our aim to develop candidate pools that include applicants from all backgrounds and communities.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ‘How we Recruit’ pages.

This post is subject to Occupational Health clearances.

Grade and Salary: £45,031 to £52,514 including London Weight Allowance Job ID: 129105

Close Date: 02-Nov-2025

Contact Person: Kevin O'Byrne

Contact Details: kevin.o'byrne@kcl.ac.uk