Research Assistant(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the Research Environment

University College London (UCL) is internationally recognised for excellence in biomedical research. This position is based within the Research Department of Respiratory Medicine, part of the School of Life & Medical Sciences, Division of Medicine.

The postholder will join the research group led by Dr Rishi Gupta within UCL Respiratory — one of Europe’s leading centres for respiratory science. The department brings together approximately 13 research groups and over 80 researchers working across the full translational spectrum, from laboratory science and computational biology to clinical trials and large-scale health data analysis.

This collaborative and supportive environment has a strong track record of helping early-career researchers progress to fellowships and independent academic careers.

The Role

We are seeking a motivated Research Assistant to contribute to ongoing projects focused on improving diagnosis, prevention, and personalised treatment strategies in respiratory and infectious diseases.

The postholder will contribute to research across three main areas:

• Acute infectious diseases presenting in UK emergency departments
• Improving stratification of preventive treatment for tuberculosis
• Developing and evaluating a patient-centred decision aid for tuberculosis preventive therapy
• A key theme across these projects is the integration of quantitative and qualitative methods to improve personalised clinical decision-making.

This position offers hands-on research experience and structured mentorship, including opportunities to contribute to:

• Grant applications
• Manuscript preparation
• Conference presentations
• Data analysis and interpretation

The role is initially available for 4 months. While advertised full-time, flexible or part-time arrangements will be considered.

⚠ Please note: This post is eligible for visa sponsorship.

About You

This position would suit a highly motivated predoctoral candidate with a strong interest in respiratory or infectious diseases.

You should have:

• A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline
• Understanding of scientific methodology
• Experience applying statistical methods to health data
• Ability to critically evaluate primary scientific literature
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• A collaborative approach to multidisciplinary teamwork
• You should demonstrate intellectual curiosity, analytical rigour, and a commitment to high-quality research practice.
• Informal enquiries to Dr Rishi Gupta are encouraged.

Employment & Right to Work

• As this post offer sponsorship, applicants must already hold the right to work in the UK.

For official UK Government guidance, please consult:

• Proving your right to work
• Skilled Worker visa overview
• Graduate visa (post-study route)
• UK visa sponsorship guidance
• Working in the UK guidance

What UCL Offers

UCL provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to support staff wellbeing and career development, including:

• 41 days annual leave (27 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays + 6 closure days)
• Option to purchase additional annual leave
• Defined benefit CARE pension scheme
• Cycle to work and season ticket loan schemes
• Immigration and relocation loan schemes (where applicable)
• On-site nursery and gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee Assistance Programme (Staff Support Service)
• Discounted private medical insurance

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

UCL is committed to building an inclusive academic community that reflects the diversity of the global society it serves. Applications are particularly encouraged from individuals who are currently underrepresented in higher education, including Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, disabled applicants, and LGBTQI+ individuals.

The department holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award in recognition of its sustained commitment to advancing gender equality.