Postdoctoral Research Associate

On the 1 August 2026, The University of Greenwich and the University of Kent will form a pioneering new multi-university group called London and South- East (LASE) University Group. Should you join us, you will be employed by LASE but will work as part of the University of Kent academic division, contributing to its distinct strengths, community and identity while also being part of a wider group that brings together the scale, resilience and shared ambition of both universities. Through LASE we aim to deliver outstanding education, impactful research, and meaningful regional and global impact.

Are you excited by the opportunity to use cutting-edge imaging techniques to better understand muscle function? If so this role could be ideal.

We’re looking for a bright and enthusiastic Post-Doctoral Research Associate to join Professor Neil Kad’s lab at the University of Kent. This BBSRC-funded interdisciplinary project will use state-of-the-art single molecule imaging techniques to explore how muscle is activated and relaxed, generating insights relevant to both normal and diseased muscle function.

Working with partners in the UK and overseas, including the University of Washington and the University of Kentucky, you’ll use approaches spanning protein biochemistry, single molecule biochemistry and high-resolution imaging. You’ll be supported by a well-equipped lab with dedicated microscopes for single molecule fluorescence imaging, alongside shared School of Biosciences facilities including NMR, Mass Spectrometry, cell biology and super-resolution imaging.

As Postdoctoral Research Associate you can expect to be involved in:

• Designing and delivering research activity using protein biochemistry and imaging techniques
• Generating, isolating and analysing recombinant and tissue-derived proteins
• Developing assay systems and contributing to three-dimensional super-resolution imaging approaches
• Analysing data, publishing findings and presenting research to academic and project audiences

What will you bring to the role?

• A PhD, or near completion, in a relevant scientific discipline
• Experience conducting research projects, including data collection and analysis
• Familiarity with microscopy, high-resolution imaging, assay development, molecular biology or protein purification
• Strong data processing, communication and organisational skills, with a collaborative approach to research

What we can offer in return

As a member of our team, you can expect a friendly, open and collaborative working environment and support in your development and wellbeing. You'll enjoy a range of great staff benefits including:

• 43 days' leave per year (personal leave, bank holidays and additional days allocated for the Christmas period, pro rata for part-time staff)
• Excellent pension scheme with generous employer contributions
• Corporate employee-funded healthcare plan, in partnership with Benenden Health

For more information about what you can look forward to if you join us, visit our dedicated webpage: Working at Kent

We are ambitious for our people, our communities and the region we serve – join us in making the world a better place. Visit our website for more on who we are: http://www.kent.ac.uk/about/

Please see the links below to view the full job description and to apply for this post. For further information regarding the application process, please contact ***email_hidden*** quoting reference number SNS-090-26.

• Occasionally we may need to close a vacancy before the published deadline due to a high number of applications being received, therefore we strongly advise you to submit your application as soon as possible. (All vacancies will be open for at least one week.)

PLEASE NOTE: We prioritise applications from current University of Kent redeployees. We will let you know if this post is to be filled by a redeployee as, in this instance, your application will unfortunately not be taken forward.

We know applicants may use AI tools to help prepare job applications. For guidance on how to use AI responsibly and effectively, see: Using AI in your job application

Applications must be made via the University’s online application system; CVs or details sent directly to the department or via email cannot be considered.

The University of Kent values diversity and equality at all levels.

Section

Biosciences

Location

Canterbury

Salary

£39,906 to £44,746 per annum

Grade

Grade 7

Post Type

Full Time

Contract Type

Fixed Term - 12 Months

Release Date

Thursday 09 July 2026

Closing Date

23.59 hours BST on Sunday 26 July 2026 (unless otherwise stated*)

Interview Date

To be confirmed

Reference

SNS-090-26