Ref Number
B02-11126
Professional Expertise
Research and Research Support
Department
School of Life & Medical Sciences (B02)
Location
London
Working Pattern
Full time
Salary
See advert text
Contract Type
Fixed-term
Working Type
Hybrid
Available for Secondment
No
Closing Date
21-Sept-2026
Our mission is to maximise and advocate for the holistic health of all children, young people and the adults they will become, through world-class research, education and public engagement. The UCL GOS ICH, together with its clinical partner Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, forms the largest concentration of children’s health research outside North America. The 2024-29 GOS ICH strategy focuses on its five scientific programmes. GOS ICH’s activities include active engagement with children and families, to ensure that our work is relevant and appropriate to their needs. GOS ICH generates the funding for our research by setting out our proposals in high quality applications to public, charitable and industrial funding bodies and disseminates the results of our research by publication in the medical and scientific literature, to clinicians, policy makers and the wider public. The Institute offers world-class education and training across a wide range of teaching and life learning programmes which address the needs of students and professional groups who are interested in and undertaking work relevant to child health. GOS ICH holds an Athena SWAN Charter Gold Award. Please only attach relevant documents to your application (qualifications, cover letters, supporting statements) and avoid attaching large files e.g. research papers, thesis, publications etc.
We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to contribute to a translational research programme aimed at developing gene therapy for Norrie disease. Norrie disease is a rare genetic condition that primarily affects boys who are born blind and from about 12 years of age develop progressively worsening hearing loss. This project focuses on the development and application of human iPSC-derived disease models to generate critical preclinical evidence supporting an AAV-mediated NDP gene therapy approach, representing a key step toward clinical translation by validating therapeutic efficacy in human-relevant systems. The post holder will play a central role in establishing and analysing patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models and advanced 3D organoid and assembloid systems, including vascularised retinal and inner ear models, to investigate endothelial cell function and vascular barrier integrity. This is a highly multidisciplinary and collaborative project, bringing together expertise in stem cell biology, vascular biology, gene therapy, and clinical research. The successful candidate will work closely with clinicians, translational researchers, and patient partners, including the Norrie Disease Foundation, to ensure alignment with patient priorities and clinical impact. This post will be based in the Newlife Birth Defects Research Centre at the UCL GOS Institute of Child Health. The Centre is committed to study of genetics and development, stem cell biology, and regenerative medicine, linking basic biological advances to the clinic. This post is supported by funding from Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity (GOSHCC) and is available until 31st August 2028 in the first instance with possibility for extension subject to funding availability. The salary offered in this post is £46,261 per annum.
Candidates must have a PhD (or about to be awarded) in a relevant area and a BSc/MSc in a related life science subject (e.g. genetics/ stem cell biology/ developmental biology). Proven research aptitude and laboratory experience is essential. Research experience in iPSC generation and culture, organoid/assembloid systems, and disease modelling is essential, alongside proficiency in molecular and cell biology techniques such as qPCR, RNA sequencing, immunohistochemistry, and confocal microscopy. The successful applicant will be able to lead high-quality research and operate independently but will also communicate and work effectively with members of the research group and collaborators to achieve the project goals. This is a highly multidisciplinary and collaborative project between the Sowden Lab and collaborators with clinical, translational, and technology transfer expertise, bringing together the relevant technologies required for this project. This post will be based in the Newlife Birth Defects Research Centre at the UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, which is committed to the study of genetics and development, stem cell biology, and regenerative medicine, linking basic biological advances to the clinic.
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits some of which are below: 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days) Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE) Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan On-Site nursery On-site gym Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service Discounted medical insurance
As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here : https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/
