Research Assistant/ Associate (Stem Cell Biology)

Newcastle University; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university in Newcastle upon Tyne seeks a motivated post-doctoral research assistant for a fixed term role focused on immune phenotyping of hypoimmunogenic photoreceptors. Candidates should have a PhD or master’s degree in a relevant field, with experience in gene editing and pluripotent stem cell biology. The role offers a salary ranging from £33,002 to £36,636 per annum and involvement in a vibrant multi-disciplinary team. Applications should include a CV and personal statement.

Qualifications

• PhD or master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Experience in gene editing and pluripotent stem cell biology.
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Work on immune phenotyping of hypoimmunogenic photoreceptors.
• Collaborate with a diverse team on retinal organoids.
• Engage in public outreach activities monthly.

Skills

Gene editing

Pluripotent stem cell biology

Immunology

Education

PhD in developmental biology, molecular biology, neuroscience or related area

Job description

Company description

We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high‑calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.

Job description

Salary: Research Assistant £33,002 to £34,610 per annum Research Associate £35,608 to £36,636 per annum

The Role

Do you have a passion for working with pluripotent stem cells? Are you looking to join a vibrant multi‑disciplinary team working on pluripotent stem cell differentiation to retinal organoids?

We are looking for a motivated post‑doctoral research assistant to work on immune phenotyping of hypoimmunogenic photoreceptors. This is a fixed term maternity cover replacement post.

We are seeking candidates with a PhD or master’s degree in developmental biology, molecular biology, neuroscience (or related areas) with experience in gene editing, pluripotent stem cell biology or immunology. Experience in retina or vision research is not necessarily required. To learn more about our work, check out these recent publications on PubMed:

• PMID: 33657251
• PMID: 30681766
• PMID: 30004612
• PMID: 26608863

In this role, you’ll be based at our Newcastle Upon Tyne campus that has fantastic transport links and state of the art facilities. You’ll be joining a highly collaborative and diverse team of 15. We also collaborate with 5 other labs and strongly encourage public engagement on a monthly basis.

The position is available from the 1st March 2026 fulltime for 35 weeks on a fixed term contract. To apply for the position, we’ll need your CV and a personal statement outlining how you are suitable for the role using evidence to highlight how you meet the essential criteria in the knowledge, skills and experience as listed in the job description.

To find out more about our work please go to: Retinal Stem Cell Research – Institute of Genetic Medicine at Newcastle University

Annual stipend will be commensurate with experience and training.

For informal enquiries contact: Prof. Majlinda Lako [e-mail]

Find out more about the Faculty of Medical Sciences here

Find out more about our Research Institutes here

As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of research role profiles. These profiles set out firstly the generic competences and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and secondly the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.

£33,002 to £36,636 per annum