Research Associate in Disease Modelling using iPSCs

The University of Manchester; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in the UK is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to lead innovative investigations into Fabry disease using human pluripotent stem cells. The role necessitates a PhD in molecular biology or related field, excellent communication, and strong technical skills in cell biology. The successful candidate will perform experiments, analyse datasets, and support PhD students. This is a full-time post from March 1st, 2026 to February 28th, 2028, with potential for extension. Competitive benefits include a leading pension scheme and annual leave.

Benefits

Market-leading pension scheme

Employee health and wellbeing services

Exceptional annual leave

Paid closure during Christmas

Local and national retailer discounts

Qualifications

• Applicants should hold (or nearly complete) a relevant PhD.
• Experience in hPSC culture or heart/kidney models is required.
• Strong technical skills in cell biology are essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead experiments and maintain iPSCs.
• Characterise cells using flow cytometry.
• Support PhD students and organise the lab.

Skills

Cell and molecular biology

hPSC culture

Data analysis

Excellent communication skills

Collaborative mindset

Education

PhD in molecular biology or related discipline

Tools

Flow cytometry

Immunocytochemistry

Single cell RNA-seq analysis

Proteomics data analysis

Job description

We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Birket Lab, an ambitious team pioneering research in human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) biology to understand heart development and disease. This role offers the opportunity to lead transformative investigations into the molecular biology of Fabry disease, a rare and poorly understood lysosomal storage disorder (LSD) that affects the heart and kidneys. Funded through an MRC project grant titled "Multi-tissue modelling of a lysosomal storage disorder using patient-derived iPSCs a pathway to Precision Medicine", this research builds on the lab's previous work on cardiac iPSC models of Fabry disease (Stem Cell Reports, 2019), cardiac organoids (The EMBO Journal, 2025) and their recent generation of five patient-derived iPSC lines (unpublished) in partnership with clinicians at Salford Royal Hospital. Our vision is to uncover the mechanisms driving Fabry disease progression in the heart and kidney, with a focus on patient variability and the role of the immune system in fibrosis and organ failure. These investigations aim to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets to support precision medicine for Fabry disease and other LSDs.

The successful candidate will lead this project by planning and performing experiments, maintaining and differentiating iPSCs, and characterising cells using flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry. They will analyse large‑scale datasets, integrate findings with the literature, and contribute to manuscripts, presentations and collaborations. The project will be supported by a dedicated technician. In addition to leading this work, the candidate will support PhD students, help organise the lab and play an active role in shaping future research directions.

Applicants should hold (or be close to completing) a PhD in molecular biology, stem cell biology, genetics or a related discipline, with strong technical skills in cell and molecular biology and experience in hPSC culture or models of heart/kidney development. Excellent communication skills, a collaborative mindset and enthusiasm for contributing to a vibrant research environment are essential. Experience with single cell RNA‑seq or proteomics data analysis would be advantageous.

This is a full‑time post available from March 1st, 2026 until February 28th, 2028, with the possibility of an extension.

What you will get in return:

• 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; hybrid working arrangements may be considered.