Postdoctoral Research Associate Uk Visa Sponsorship

Job Description

Postdoctoral Research Associate – Fixed Term (10 Months), Full Time
Application Deadline: 2 July 2025 at 23:59 (BST)

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate for a fixed-term 10-month role to contribute to the development of rapid diagnostic kits using lateral flow assay technology for detecting Russell’s viper venom in clinical and biological samples. This exciting opportunity is based within Professor Vaiyapuri’s research group at the School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, with close collaboration across other research teams at the University and with external partner Toxiven Biotech (India).

This project, funded by the Medical Research Council, addresses a critical unmet clinical need in India, where snakebite envenoming remains a high-priority neglected tropical disease. Currently, there is no diagnostic method available to confirm venom presence in snakebite victims. Our research aims to fill this gap by developing rapid, reliable lateral flow tests for use on plasma, serum, whole blood, and urine samples.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct research using immunoassay techniques to develop diagnostic tools
• Analyse and interpret data from biological and clinical samples
• Collaborate with internal and external research teams
• Contribute to scientific publications and presentations

About You:
The ideal candidate will possess:

• A PhD in a relevant biomedical science discipline, ideally with a focus on immunotechnology
• Strong experience in cell and molecular biology, particularly immunoassays
• Hands-on expertise with ELISA, lateral flow assays, and antibody production/purification
• Experience working with clinical samples
• A proven ability to generate and interpret high-quality experimental data
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• A record of peer-reviewed publications in reputable scientific journals

Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship:
Visa sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Route (SWR) may be possible for this role, depending on eligibility under the relevant Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code. Candidates interested in sponsorship must ensure they meet the points-based immigration requirements before applying. Applicants who do not currently hold a Skilled Worker visa granted before 4 April 2024 must either hold a relevant PhD or qualify as a new entrant. Further information is available on the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Contact Information:
For informal enquiries, please contact:
Professor Sakthivel Vaiyapuri – Principal Investigator
s.vaiyapuri@reading.ac.uk

Alternatively, contact:
Dr Harry Williams – Project Partner
harry@toxiven.com

The University of Reading is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We proudly support the Athena SWAN Charter for gender equality, the Race Equality Charter, and are champions of LGBT+ equality. As a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2), we welcome applications from candidates seeking job shares, part-time roles, or other flexible working arrangements.