Area
Translational Medical Sciences
Location
University Park
Salary
£35,608 to £47,389 per annum pro-rata (if applicable) depending on skills and experience. Salary progression beyond this scale is subject to performance.
Closing Date
Monday 10 August 2026
Interview Date
To be confirmed
Reference
MED947226X1
Applications are invited for a Research Associate/Fellow to work on a Welcome funded project using multiple molecular genetics techniques including high throughput CRISPRi screens, lung cell and tissue models and spatial transcriptomics in the laboratory of Professors Ian Sayers and Ian Hall (Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, UK).
In this highly collaborative project involving the Universities of Nottingham, Leicester and Cambridge we aim to accelerate the discovery of genetic risk factors for lung function impairment with a particular focus on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and define the mechanisms and biological pathways underpinning the observed associations. In Nottingham, we will use human primary airway cells combined with CRISPRi to identify functional causal genetic variants, genes and pathways. These mechanisms will be explored further using more complex cell and tissue models combined with spatial transcriptomics of the lung to provide novel understanding. This programme of research will improve the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of respiratory disease through mechanistic discoveries that identify new drug targets and biomarkers, and that highlight drug re-purposing opportunities. This position will be especially suited to candidates with interest in functional genomics, bioinformatics, lung cell biology and respiratory medicine. The successful candidate will also work in close collaboration with researchers in Leicester and Cambridge and additional collaborators. This post offers a unique opportunity to work in fast developing field of molecular genetics and to develop skills in state-of-the-art technologies.
Applicants must be highly motivated and self-driven, with a PhD in respiratory molecular genetics or related area of biological science or near to completion of a PhD. The successful candidate will ideally have considerable experience in some of the following areas: primary human airway cell culture, handling and analysing large genomic datasets, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing and other molecular biology approaches. A track record of publishing research is also desirable.
The successful candidate will join a friendly, diverse, and supportive research group based in the Biodiscovery Institute. The position represents a significant opportunity through the provision of training, continued support, and career progression opportunities.
This role will be offered on a fixed-term contract for 24 months. Hours of work are full-time (36.25 hours); however applications are also welcome from candidates wishing to work part-time (minimum 29 hours per week). Please specify in your application if you wish to work part time and the number of preferred hours.
If you are interested about this role, please click apply now, submit your details and upload a copy of your CV.
For informal enquiries please contact Ian Sayers ([email protected]). Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.
