Research Associate/ Fellow (Fixed Term)

University of Nottingham; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

30 days holiday

Staff development opportunities

Benefits package

Job summary

University of Nottingham is seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the molecular biology group led by Professor Victoria James. The role focuses on improving diagnostic accuracy for Dementia with Lewy bodies by developing a multiplex plasma extracellular vesicle RNA biomarker assay and analyzing RNA-seq data from patient samples.

You will apply AI-based analytical approaches in a collaborative setting with clinical leads, bioinformatics partners, and PhD students.

Qualifications

• PhD required in a relevant field with strong research background.
• Experience in molecular biology and translating findings to biomarkers.
• Expertise in RNA sequencing data and analysis; familiarity with AI-based analytic approaches.

Responsibilities

• Lead generation and analysis of RNA-seq data from patient-derived samples.
• Develop and evaluate AI-based analytical approaches to improve diagnostic accuracy.
• Collaborate with clinical and computational teams within a multidisciplinary environment.

Education

PhD in relevant field

Molecular biology

Tools

RNA sequencing analysis

AI-based data analysis

Job description

Salary
£32,080 to £36,636 per annum, depending on skills and experience (minimum £35608 with relevant PhD).

Closing Date
Thursday 15 October 2026

Reference
MED2148626

We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the molecular biology group led by Professor Victoria James at the University of Nottingham. This exciting position is funded by an Alzheimer's Research UK (ARUK) project awarded to Clinical Lead Dr Anto Rajamani and offers an opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research aimed at improving the diagnosis of Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB).

The successful candidate will deliver the experimental research focused on improving the diagnostic accuracy of a multiplex plasma extracellular vesicle (EV) RNA biomarker assay for DLB. This work has the potential to advance earlier and more accurate diagnosis of one of the most challenging neurodegenerative diseases.

The postholder will lead the generation and analysis of next-generation RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data from patient-derived extracellular vesicle samples to identify DLB-specific RNA signatures. They will also support the implementation and evaluation of artificial intelligence (AI)-based analytical approaches to improve the sensitivity and specificity of biomarker-based diagnosis.

Working within a multidisciplinary and collaborative environment, you will work closely with our clinical lead, Dr Anto Rajamani, members of the molecular biology laboratory, PhD students, bioinformatics collaborators, and other clinical partners.

This position provides an outstanding opportunity to contribute to translational research with real potential to improve patient diagnosis and care. You will join a supportive and collaborative research environment within the University of Nottingham and work alongside leading researchers in molecular biology, clinical neurology, biomarker discovery, and computational analysis. You will play an important role in driving the project forward while contributing to the development of an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative research culture.

What the university offers:

• A friendly, diverse, and supportive working environment
• A hybrid working arrangement with the blended approach of home and office working
• Generous holiday entitlement of 30 days (or pro rata) plus standard bank holidays and five university closure days including closure between Christmas and New Year
• We are committed to staff development through the provision of training, continued support, and career progression opportunities
• You will have access to a range of benefits and rewards, including fitness and health facilities, staff discounts, travel schemes and many more. To find out more about what we can offer you, follow the link to our benefits website

We are committed to fostering equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. Flexible working arrangements and opportunities for career development are supported wherever possible.

If you are passionate about translational neuroscience, biomarker discovery, and applying innovative molecular and computational approaches to improve dementia diagnosis, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Further information is available in the role profile. This position is a fixed-term contract for 30 months. Please contact Professor Victoria James ( [e-mail] ) and Dr Anto Rajamani ( [e-mail] ) if you have further questions about this role. Please note that we will be unable to accept applications sent directly by email.