"Research Technician"

About the role

Are you an enthusiastic early-career scientist who wants to make a real difference in the UK’s pandemic preparedness?

In this hands-on role, you will support community-based infectious disease studies that combine laboratory science, data analysis and public health research to strengthen the UK’s response to future outbreaks. You’ll join a supportive interdisciplinary team within the NIHR Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Respiratory Infections at Imperial College London, working closely with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

What you would be doing

Your work will build on the HPRU’s ground-breaking community household studies from the COVID-19 pandemic, which defined key parameters of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and infectiousness and shaped national and international policy.

You will help set up and deliver household and care home research studies, working with biological samples and ensuring high-quality data collection. Your work will include performing immunology and molecular assays, managing biobank samples, and contributing to the analysis and integration of laboratory and epidemiological data.

You will collaborate with nurses, clinicians, data analysts and investigators, and engage directly with study participants and communities to support trusted and inclusive research delivery.

What we are looking for

We are looking for someone who is motivated, organised and keen to develop their research skills, with:

• A degree in Life Sciences, Biomedical Sciences or a related subject
• Experience handling biological samples and performing laboratory techniques (e.g. ELISA, RNA extraction, PBMC processing)
• Experience analysing biological or clinical data using programming tools such as R or Python
• An interest in infectious diseases, immunology and public health research
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work to tight timelines
• Willingness to work flexibly, including late shifts
• An interest in engaging with participants and diverse communities in research

What we can offer you

• The opportunity to work on nationally and internationally impactful pandemic preparedness research
• Training and development in advanced laboratory techniques, data science and public engagement
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to use science for humanity
• A sector-leading salary and benefits package, including generous annual leave and pension schemes
• Access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day one, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and cycle-to-work scheme.
• Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel.
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further Information

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week), fixed-term contract for 24 months.

Please note that this role will require flexible working hours, including late shifts, to support timely sample processing and study activities.

If you require any further details about the role, please contact: Dr Seran Hakki – s.hakki@imperial.ac.uk.

About Imperial

Welcome to Imperial, a global top ten university where scientific imagination leads to world-changing impact.

Join us and be part of something bigger. From global health to climate change, AI to business leadership, we navigate some of the world’s toughest challenges. Whatever your role, your contribution will have a lasting impact.