Research Associate in Circadian Mechanisms in Cardiometabolic Disease

The University of Manchester; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK research institution is seeking a motivated scientist to investigate the impact of circadian disruption on energy metabolism and metabolic diseases. Ideal candidates will have a PhD in a relevant field and experience in mammalian physiology and circadian biology. The role includes collaboration with top universities and employing advanced research methods. Competitive benefits include a leading pension scheme and generous annual leave.

Benefits

Fantastic market-leading Pension scheme

Excellent employee health and wellbeing services

Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement

Additional paid closure over Christmas

Local and national discounts at major retailers

Qualifications

• Experience in mammalian physiology, circadian biology, and/or energy metabolism.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary and collaborative research.

Responsibilities

• Define how circadian processes regulate lipid metabolism and mitochondrial function.
• Employ in vivo and in vitro models and advanced physiological phenotyping.
• Collaborate with leading partners at the Universities of Oxford and Aberdeen.

Skills

Mammalian physiology

Circadian biology

Energy metabolism

Research experience

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

PhD in a relevant biological or biomedical discipline

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented scientist to join our MRC-funded research programme investigating how disruption of the circadian clock impacts energy metabolism and contributes to metabolic disease. You will play a key role in defining how circadian processes in the liver and other tissues regulate lipid metabolism and mitochondrial function, under both normal and perturbed conditions (e.g. dietary or environmental challenges). This exciting project builds on our recent findings (e.g. Downton et al., PNAS; Hayter et al., Nature Communications; West et al., Nature Communications), which demonstrate that circadian disruption caused by simulated shift work, diet‑induced obesity, or chronic inflammation leads to aberrant liver function and accumulation of harmful lipid species such as ceramides. Working within a vibrant circadian research community in Manchester, you will employ cutting‑edge in vivo and in vitro models, advanced physiological phenotyping, and multi‑omic and flux metabolomic approaches. You will also collaborate with leading partners at the Universities of Oxford and Aberdeen. You will have a PhD (or near completion) in a relevant biological or biomedical discipline, and bring experience in mammalian physiology, circadian biology, and/or energy metabolism, strong research experience, analytical and communication skills, and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary and collaborative research. As this role involves research at a postgraduate level, applicants who are not an EEA national or a national of an exempt country and who will require sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route of the UK Visas and Immigration's (UKVI) Points Based System will be required to apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Certificate and will need to obtain this prior to making any official visa application.

• Fantastic market‑leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit. Our University is positive about flexible working—you can find out more here. Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.