Microbiology jobs

About us

UCL Eastman Dental Institute is a postgraduate dental school with a reputation as a leading education and research centre.

The successful candidate will be part of the Department of Microbial Diseases based at the Royal Free Campus of UCL in Hampstead. The department’s vision is to reduce the burden of infection through the development of novel antimicrobial strategies and to improve human health.

You will also become part of the UCL Centre for Clinical Microbiology, which runs an ongoing programme of research focused on investigating better treatments and methods of monitoring treatment of tuberculosis (TB). You will collaborate with the Centre and join a research team engaged in delivering projects supporting TB drug treatment and improved diagnostics.

About the role

We are seeking a Research Assistant to join a collaborative research project funded by TB Alert.

The project focuses on Tuberculosis (TB), specifically investigating the properties and therapeutic potential of tuberculomucin, a historically significant but scientifically underexplored substance as a novel therapeutic for TB.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform laboratory procedures such as bacterial culture (specifically Mycobacterium tuberculosis), antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and molecular biology techniques.
• Assist in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of research data.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date laboratory records and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, particularly regarding Containment Level 3 (CL3) protocols.
• Collaborate effectively with the wider multidisciplinary team at the Department of Microbial Diseases and the Centre for Clinical Microbiology.

Appointment details:

The post is available as soon as possible and is funded until 31st August 2027 in the first instance, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of further funding. This is a Full-time (100% FTE) appointment.

Salary range for Research Assistants on grade 6B is £40,603 - £43,749 (point 26 – point 29) per annum including London Allowance. Salary on appointment is subject to experience.

About you

This is an excellent opportunity for a microbiologist to develop expertise in Mycobacterium tuberculosis research.

The candidate will hold an Honours degree (minimum 2:1) in Biological Sciences, Microbiology, or a related discipline, with a strong interest in infectious diseases and mycobacterial research. You’ll have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, work effectively in multidisciplinary teams, and be proactive, resourceful, with strong problem-solving abilities. Experience working with Mycobacterium species in a research setting is essential.

Please see the attached job description and person specification for full details. Please also read the attached Candidate Guidance document.

All applications must include a supporting statement. This statement should explain your motivation for the post and provide evidence (using examples) of how you meet the essential and desirable criteria. Applications without a supporting statement will be rejected.

This role does not meet the eligibility requirements for a Skilled Worker Visa certificate of sponsorship under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. Therefore, UCL will not be able to sponsor individuals who require right to work in the UK to carry out this role.

Application process:

• Interviews scheduled for: end of November 2026 (Date TBC).
• Job description and person specification available at the bottom of the advert.
• Queries about the role: contact evangelopoulos@ucl.ac.uk
• If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please contact Khadija Bouzgan at hr-eastman@ucl.ac.uk.
• Find out about the UCL Ways of Working: ucl.ac.uk/ways-of-working.

What we offer

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:

41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
On-Site nursery
On-site gym
Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
Discounted medical insurance

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.
We particularly encourage applications from candidates underrepresented in UCL’s workforce, including those from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, and – for Grade 9 and 10 roles – women.

Read more: UCL Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

Applicants should also familiarise themselves with UCL’s policies on: Prevention of Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy and Personal Relationships Policy