Translational Research Scientist - KTP Research Associate
This is an exciting opportunity to work full time on a 30-month collaborative partnership between Anglia Ruskin University and Life Science Group Ltd in developing and optimising their innovative, animal-free media for ambient cell transport offering sustainable alternatives to traditional methods.
About Life Science Group Ltd
Life Science Group Ltd is an independent UK supplier of life science research solutions offering products and services to leading pharma, biotech, contract research organisations and universities worldwide.
We offer technical expertise and experience to provide traceable, customisable solutions through the three divisions, Life Science Production, Antibody Production Services and Diagnostic Kit Services.
About the role
This position offers an excellent opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research while working closely with industry partners to drive innovation, product development, and commercial impact. The role is well-suited to a researcher with experience in working with mammalian cell culture, biopreservation methods, and cellular assays, ideally supported by a background in biotechnology, translational biomedical research, or life sciences product development. Candidates with knowledge of cell viability testing, cryopreservation, flow cytometry (including imaging flow cytometry) will be particularly encouraged. The successful applicant will be instrumental in optimising and validating CellShip — a novel cryo-preservation reagent — and will generate data that feeds directly into both scientific understanding and market-ready solutions.
As part of this Knowledge Transfer Partnership, you will benefit from access to expertise and resources from both Anglia Ruskin University and Life Science Group Ltd. You will work at the interface of academia and industry, gaining experience in experimental design, product development, data analysis, and commercial translation. The role will involve designing and conducting laboratory studies, presenting findings to both technical and non-technical audiences, and contributing to strategic decisions about product refinement and positioning in the life sciences sector. This is a rare opportunity to apply your scientific skills in a commercially focused environment, broaden your professional development, and make a tangible impact on how cell-based products are preserved and delivered to market. Although you’ll be employed by ARU, you’ll be based at Life Science Group Ltd’s Sandy location.
- Essential to have an MSc (desirably a PhD) in Cell Biology, Biomedical Science or related disciplines
- Undertaken research or have experience in cell culture/viability assays e.g. MTT and Microscopy
- Experience in working with imaging flow cytometry and proteomic analyses
- Experience with statistical analyses
- Experience of establishing protocols and quality assurance measures
- Health and Safety legislation awareness
- Presenting papers and posters at conferences
- Customer focused
- Well-developed communication skills i.e. written, oral and presentational
- High degree of self-motivation and ability to think innovatively
Benefits for the Associate
Develop Skills:
- You’ll work in a cutting edge, industry leading life science commercial environment
- You’ll gain access to specialist resources and world-leading academics.
- You’ll have the opportunity to gain further qualifications and certifications
- You’ll have your own dedicated training time and a generous training budget.
Take the Lead
- You’ll be the project lead, managing your own workload and ensuring outputs.
- You’ll direct problem-solving activities and your own learning.
- You’ll have creative freedom to suggest changes and develop the project plan.
Interact
- You’ll have continuous support from your Academic and Business Supervisors.
- You’ll work with innovative and ambitious business staff, including contact with senior management. You’ll liaise with current and new Life Science Group Ltd clients to see the real-life impact of your work.
ARU is a global university transforming lives through innovative, inclusive and entrepreneurial education and research. ARU holds a Gold award for the quality of its education, awarded through the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). ARU’s research institutes and four faculties bridge scientific, technical and creative fields. We deliver impactful research which tackles pressing issues and makes a real difference to our communities. Our academic excellence has been recognised by the UK’s Higher Education funding bodies, with 16 of our research areas assessed as world leading. We are the largest provider of Nursing, Midwifery, Health and Social Care students in the East of England, and we are also among the UK’s leading universities for degree apprenticeship provision, working with hundreds of employers across the UK.
About the KTP programme
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) are unique, three-way collaborations powering innovation. For nearly 50 years, KTPs have been helping businesses innovate for growth. They do this by connecting businesses that have an innovation idea with the academic expertise to help deliver it. Right now, around 800 businesses, 100 knowledge bases (universities and other research organisations) and over 800 graduates are involved in KTPs.
For further information: Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (ktp-uk.org)
For further information or enquiries about this role please email Hussein.Al-Ali@aru.ac.uk or ben.hooson@aru.ac.uk.
Please note that interviews are expected to take place on 12 December 2025.
Please note: Applicants must be able to meet all fast-track visa application costs if applicable, and all relocation costs if applicable.
Find out more about working with us and how we recruit.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare of our staff and students and expect all staff to share this commitment. Applicants should be aware that ARU will carry out online searches as part of the due diligence on short listed candidates.
We value diversity at ARU and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
We have a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Committed to being inclusive and open to discuss flexible working.
Guidance Notes:
For a list of key requirements, please download the Job Description and Person Specification above. To apply for this role please demonstrate how your skills and experience match the criteria in the person specification.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy once we have received sufficient applications.