Senior Research Assistant

Job Summary

Offered on a temporary or contract basis, the Senior Research Assistant works under general direction and supports postdoctoral researchers and other research investigators by performing moderately complex research and experimental activities. The role involves following established protocols, carrying out routine laboratory and equipment maintenance, setting up and operating scientific apparatus, supporting research projects, and undertaking independent research when required.

The position may also involve clerical and editorial duties, data compilation, processing and analysis, record maintenance, and the supervision and training of junior employees.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up and operate various scientific apparatus and laboratory equipment.

• Perform clerical duties, including typing, answering telephone calls, preparing correspondence, maintaining bibliographies, and completing applications and forms.

• Assist with research projects by preparing and maintaining culture media, reagents, and experimental animals; growing cultures; administering injections; performing assays; sterilising equipment; and separating and purifying materials using techniques such as chromatography and electrophoresis.

• Conduct procedures involving experimental animals, where applicable and in accordance with institutional ethical guidelines.

• Order laboratory supplies, conduct literature and library research, prepare compounds, interpret experimental data, and perform minor equipment repairs.

• Perform editorial duties, including writing, reviewing, and editing materials for publication; preparing publication schedules; and ordering books and other publications.

• Supervise and train junior employees and participate in meetings, conferences, and training activities.

• Compile, process, and analyse data; document research procedures and results; maintain organised records; code data for electronic processing; and enter and retrieve data using computer systems.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• • MSc in biomedical sciences, molecular biology, immunology, pharmacology, oncology, or a closely related field.
  • A minimum of 2–3 years of experience as a Senior Research Assistant in cancer biology, immunotherapy, natural product research, or CAM-related biomedical research.
  • Hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture, including cancer cell lines and primary human immune cells.
  • Proficiency in standard molecular and cellular techniques, including western blotting, RT-qPCR, flow cytometry, ELISA, and immunofluorescence.
  • Experience with viral vector production and the transduction of primary immune cells.
  • In vivo experience with mouse tumour or disease models, conducted in compliance with institutional ethical guidelines.
  • Experience with cell-based bioactivity or cytotoxicity assays relevant to immunotherapy or natural product screening.
  • Demonstrated scientific writing ability, evidenced by first- or co-authored publications in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Ability to work independently and manage concurrent experimental workstreams.

  Preferred

  • Direct experience in adoptive cell therapy, including CAR T cells or related engineered immune cell platforms.
  • Experience with natural product extraction, fractionation, or characterisation, such as plant extracts, bioactive compounds, essential oils, honey, camel milk derivatives, or extracellular vesicles.
  • Familiarity with cytokine profiling, multiplex immunoassays, or tumour microenvironment analysis.
  • Experience investigating the mechanisms of action of CAM interventions at the cellular or molecular level.
  • Knowledge of oxidative stress, inflammation, or metabolic pathway analysis relevant to CAM research.
  • Prior contribution to grant writing or funded research proposals.
  • Experience with IRB or research ethics submission processes involving human samples or biological materials.
  • Familiarity with biobank protocols or biological sample processing, including blood, tissue, or biofluids.
  • Experience working in a BSL-2 environment.

  Personal Attributes

  • Organised and rigorous, with strong data management and laboratory documentation habits.
  • Intellectually curious and comfortable working at the intersection of conventional biomedical research and CAM science.
  • Collaborative and effective in a multi-investigator, multi-project research environment.
  • Strong written and spoken English communication skills.
  • Willingness to support the training and supervision of junior researchers and students.

Required Documents

Benefits

Academic:

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