King's College London

About Us

The Randall Centre for Cell & Molecular Biophysics is situated within the School of Basic & Biomedical Sciences (BMBS) and is part of the Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine. It is involved in a wide range of fundamental research projects at the interface between biology, biomedicine, chemistry and physics.  

About the role

The role purpose is to provide academic leadership in integrative cell biology and biophysics of cell polarity and systems quantitative biology. The successful candidate will be expected to lead an interdisciplinary, dynamic and forward-looking programme in cell biophysics and quantitative cell biology and to conduct high impact research in the area of cell polarity networks in cells and during development, with an emphasis on the PAR cell polarity networks.

The successful candidate will be required to establish, develop and sustain an internationally competitive, externally-funded research programme consistent with, or complementary to the interests of the Department/School/Faculty research strategies.

They will need to maintain a consistent, outstanding track record of publication (typically 2-4 research publications (depending on appointment level) over a rolling five-year period that will include world leading or internationally excellent work, as first, last and/or corresponding author).

In addition, they will contribute to teaching of undergraduate and postgraduate students and curriculum development.

There will be a requirement that they plan, organise and deliver a range of teaching and assessment activities (e.g. lecturing, project supervision and tutorials) and, at Senior Lecturer/Reader level, leading on at least one substantive module/programme.

They will also Supervise and train postgraduate and undergraduate students to ensure their effective development.

Another focus will be to supervise and train research and technical staff employed on the post holder’s research projects to ensure their effective development.

They will need to engage in the dissemination of research through knowledge transfer, outreach, continuing professional development, public engagement etc.

It is expected that they will make a full contribution to academic life and strategic planning across the Department/School and, where required/appropriate to the wider strategic planning processes at Faculty and University level at a level appropriate to appointment.

They will be able to identify strategic development opportunities in teaching and research and contribute to the development of these ideas. 

Contributing to driving and ensuring a positive and inclusive research culture will underpin their work. 

This is a full-time role (35 hours per week from March 2027), and you will be offered an indefinite contract.  The earliest start date is October 2025.

Appointment Plan:

20% from Oct 2025-Oct 2026

50% from Oct 2026

Full time March 2027

This role will be based on site at all times.

Research staff at King’s are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development. This entitlement, from the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7. Visit the Centre for Research Staff Development for more information.

About You

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1. PhD in biochemistry, biophysics or molecular genetics
2. Significant, established expertise in integrative quantitative cell biology
3. Strong track record in conducting research in the area of PAR cell polarity networks
4. Extensive expertise in the molecular basis of cell polarity, and the coupling between PAR network activity, the actomyosin cortex and developmental cues
5. Extensive expertise in developing tools for quantitative imaging and kinetic behaviour analysis of proteins in live embryos
6. Scientific synergy with current research in the Randall Centre, specifically cytoskeleton organization, cell signalling and cell polarity
7. Strong and consistent record of attracting peer reviewed research grant funding and outstanding track records of publications

Desirable criteria  

1. Experience in supervising and developing research students and/or research staff 
2. Significant experience of delivery of undergraduate teaching in protein biochemistry, cell biology and mechanisms of molecular interactions to drive cellular functions 
3. Significant experience in contribution to academic administration 
4. Ability to work well as an effective member of a wider multi-disciplinary team and to share and encourage good practice 
5. Experience of working in collaborative projects across disciplines 

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

Further Information

We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community. 

We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King's.

As part of this commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and through this appointment process, it is our aim to develop candidate pools that include applicants from all backgrounds and communities.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ‘How we Recruit’ pages.

Interview dates will be during September but may be subject to change.