Research Assistant - Strand, London, WC2R 2LS

Research Assistant - Strand, London, WC2R 2LS

About us

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research Assistant to join our FACE study research programme, which explores how the skin microbiome, skin barrier, and immune system interact in people with head and neck atopic dermatitis. The study is led by Dr Helen Alexander and based within Professor Carsten Flohrs group who leads the Paediatric & Population-Based Dermatology Research unit at Kings College London.

About the role

We are seeking a Research Assistant to join the FACE study, which explores how the skin microbiome, skin barrier and immune system interact in people with head and neck atopic dermatitis (eczema). This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to research that aims to improve understanding of microbial-skin interactions and support the development of more personalised treatments for eczema.

A key focus of the role will be the culture and maintenance of Malassezia yeasts, which naturally occur on human skin and may influence the development of eczema and response to treatment. The postholder will attend clinics to collect clinical samples from participants, which will then be processed and used to culture Malassezia in the laboratory. They will also prepare growth media, maintain and monitor cultures, support experimental workflows and ensure laboratory activities are accurately recorded.

The postholder will be responsible for maintaining high standards of laboratory practice, including aseptic technique, contamination control, accurate documentation and reproducible experimental procedures. They will monitor culture growth and viability, maintain laboratory equipment and consumables, and troubleshoot routine culture issues under supervision.

The role will suit a candidate who can work closely with the FACE Study team and clinical colleagues, communicating effectively, reporting issues promptly and contributing to team discussions. The role requires someone who can work independently, is well organised and has a careful and methodical approach to laboratory work.

The postholder will be responsible to the relevant research lead/study team for the delivery of their laboratory and clinical sampling activities and for supporting the successful progress of the FACE study. This role offers an opportunity to gain valuable research experience while contributing directly to work with the potential to improve our understanding and treatment of atopic dermatitis.

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract until 4th October 2027.

The requirements of the post would be to be present in the office/laboratory for 4 days a week, depending on study activities, which can be reviewed after 6 months. This will have to be approved by the Line Managers keeping in line with the Kings hybrid working model.

Research staff at Kings 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. Educated to degree level. BSc or MSc in a biological science discipline is required.
2. Experience in a research and laboratory environment, including exposure to microbiology techniques.
3. Meticulous recordkeeping, including lab notebooks, culture logs, and sample tracking.
4. Excellent organisational skills.
5. Excellent presentation, verbal and written communication skills with experience of building an effective network across a complex organisation.
6. Accuracy and attention to detail with ability to maintain confidentiality.
7. Ability to work under pressure in a busy environment, multitask and deal with competing demands.
8. Document and IT control skills, specifically in database management and MS Office.

Desirable criteria

1. Experience or knowledge of working with Malassezia, yeasts or fungi.
2. Understanding of the skin microbiome, atopic dermatitis or host-microbe interactions.

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.