In this Preclinical Research Assistant role in our CNS Discovery Laboratories in Hammersmith, you'll join a growing Centre of Excellence focused on advancing preclinical research and translating findings into first-in-human studies.

Working within a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary team, you'll play a hands-on role supporting the execution of in vitro and in vivo studies, contributing directly to the early preclinical development of novel therapeutics and imaging agents. As part of your wide-ranging responsibilities, you can expect to be involved in the evaluation and application of novel and established PET tracers using in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo techniques and methodologies.

Offered on a full-time, permanent basis, it’s an ideal role for someone looking to build a strong foundation in translational neuroscience and complex pharmacology within an expanding, fast-paced, research-led environment providing exposure to a wide range of therapeutic targets.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Providing support to the team in the coordination and delivery of studies with respect to in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo evaluation and characterization of imaging agents and drug candidates in collaboration with chemistry and image analysis teams.
• Undertaking simple study design to support evaluation and application of novel and established PET tracers and drug candidates.
• Providing the team with technical input in order to improve study design, interpretation of results, reporting and communication.
• Maintaining accurate and current records of experimental work.
• Using relevant computer software packages to support the analysis and interpretation of study data.
• Analysing and interpreting data, either alone, in conjunction with other experts within the team or collaborating more widely with other colleagues
• Undertaking general laboratory administration.

More specific activities include:

• Using pharmacology techniques such as radioligand binding assays and autoradiography to assess novel PET radiotracers and drug candidates.
• Learning and following new protocols as they become relevant for different studies.
• Supporting commercial and academic in vitro studies with appropriate techniques including:
  
  • cell culture seeding, maintenance and cryopreservation
  • tissue preparations for homogenate binding (fractionations, protein determination)
  • tissue preparation for autoradiography studies (slide preparation and sectioning)
  • histology staining techniques and microscopy (H&E, IHC, microscopy)
  • standard molecular techniques e.g. western blotting, ELISA

Functional Competencies (Technical knowledge/Skills)

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills - communicates clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with the ability to convey ideas accurately and appropriately.
• Teamwork & Collaboration - works effectively within a team and independently, supporting colleagues, contributing to shared goals, and demonstrating reliability, initiative, and a willingness to learn and follow new protocols.
• Results Orientation & Time Management - organises workload effectively, meets deadlines, and delivers work to a high standard while coordinating with others to achieve objectives.
• Attention to Detail & Quality Standards - applies standard procedures consistently, maintains accurate records, and ensures work is thorough, organised, and compliant.
• Problem Solving - demonstrates a logical, structured approach to analysing information, identifying issues, and escalating where appropriate.
• Adaptability & Continuous Improvement - embraces new methods and change positively, seeks to understand objectives, and contributes to improving processes and ways of working.
• Professional Development - shows a proactive commitment to learning, developing technical skills, and continuously enhancing knowledge and capability.

Education, Experience and Certifications

• MRes/MSc in Pharmacology, Neuroscience or a related discipline OR BSc in one of these disciplines with relevant laboratory-based experience
• Previous hands-on laboratory experience is essential
• Prior experience in pharmacology, radiopharmaceuticals or with cryosectioning techniques (including exposure to working with different types of tissues) would be beneficial