Research Associate in Developmental Cell Biology

University of Manchester; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous employer contribution pension

29 days annual leave plus bankholidays

Ride to work and EV car scheme

Job summary

The Manning Lab at the University of Manchester invites applications for a three-year Wellcome-funded post to study how cytonemes transmit Notch signals during development. This post involves cell culture, live imaging, mouse embryo work, and correlative light and electron microscopy, with a strong emphasis on collaboration across groups.

You will explore signal transmission during development, develop quantitative imaging workflows, and manage your own project while communicating findings at

Qualifications

• Hold a PhD or due to complete PhD within 6 months in developmental or cell biology
• Strong knowledge of developmental biology or cell biology
• Significant experience in live‑cell or live‑tissue fluorescence imaging and the quantitative analysis of microscopy data.
• Experience in cell and molecular biology techniques such as CRISPR gene editing, immunofluorescence, qPCR, PCR, western blotting
• Willingness to work with mouse embryos and to complete all required training and competency assessment.

Responsibilities

• Undertaking a programme of research to determine how cytonemes mediate signalling during developmental patterning and cell‑fate decisions.
• Developing robust image‑analysis and quantitative workflows to extract reproducible biological measurements from microscopy data.
• Managing your own research activity, identifying technical challenges and working with collaborators to develop practical solutions.
• Communicating findings through project meetings, conference presentations and high-quality research publications.

Skills

Live-cell imaging

Fluorescence imaging

Quantitative data analysis

Collaborative research

Communication of findings

Education

PhD in developmental or cell biology

Tools

CRISPR gene editing

Immunofluorescence

qPCR

PCR

Western blotting

Job description

Join the Manning Lab at the University of Manchester for a three-year, Wellcome-funded post investigating how cytonemes (specialised signalling filopodia) transmit Notch signals. Working within a collaborative Discovery Award with the University of Exeter, you will combine cell culture, live imaging, mouse embryo experiments and two-dimensional correlative light and electron microscopy to explore signalling during development.

Facilities for animal research are first rate and are validated by all the appropriate Home Office licences. However, if you have any medical, social or ethical reasons for avoiding work on experimental animals, then do not apply for this post.

You will be responsible for:

• Undertaking a programme of research to determine how cytonemes mediate signalling during developmental patterning and cell‑fate decisions.
• Developing robust image‑analysis and quantitative workflows to extract reproducible biological measurements from microscopy data.
• Managing your own research activity, identifying technical challenges and working with collaborators to develop practical solutions.
• Communicating findings through project meetings, conference presentations and high-quality research publications.

We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.

About You

We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:

Essential Criteria:

• Hold a PhD or due to complete PhD within 6 months in developmental or cell biology
• Strong knowledge of developmental biology or cell biology
• Significant experience in live‑cell or live‑tissue fluorescence imaging and the quantitative analysis of microscopy data.
• Experience in cell and molecular biology techniques such as CRISPR gene editing, immunofluorescence, qPCR, PCR, western blotting
• Willingness to work with mouse embryos and to complete all required training and competency assessment.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience with mouse embryonic stem cell differentiations

We value transferable skills and real‑world experience as much as formal qualifications.

Our benefits include:

• Generous employer contribution pension
• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
• Ride to work and EV car scheme available

For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here.

We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy.

Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews

Name: Cerys Manning

Email Address: [e-mail]

General enquiries and administrative support

[e-mail]

Technical and job portal support

Jobtrain Jobseeker Support Hub

This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must demonstrate the right to work in the UK.

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.

Further particulars (with person specification) linked below