Research Associate in Molecular and Functional Genomics

The University of Manchester; Manchester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Manchester is seeking a motivated postdoctoral Research Associate for a funded research programme focused on enhancing molecular diagnosis and understanding mechanisms in inherited eye diseases. The role involves leading laboratory work on genomic and molecular biology, with emphasis on specific expertise in RNA analysis and functional assays within a collaborative interdisciplinary team.

Benefits

Market-leading pension scheme

Excellent employee health and wellbeing services

Exceptional annual leave entitlement

Paid closure over Christmas period

Local and national discounts at retailers

Qualifications

• Experience in genomic, molecular, and cell biology experiments.
• Broader biological expertise relevant to disease mechanisms or therapeutic development.
• Familiarity with long-read sequencing.

Responsibilities

• Independently lead laboratory work including experiments.
• Focus on improving molecular diagnosis in inherited eye diseases.
• Collaborate within an interdisciplinary team across clinical, computational, and experimental domains.

Skills

Experience in variant characterisation

RNA analysis

Functional assays

Bioinformatics interpretation

Job description

We are seeking a motivated postdoctoral Research Associate to join a translational research programme funded by the Medical Research Council. Based at the University of Manchester, the project focuses on improving molecular diagnosis and understanding disease mechanisms in inherited eye diseases using advanced genomic technologies, long-read sequencing, and functional assays.

The successful applicant will independently lead laboratory work, including genomic, molecular, and cell biology experiments. Experience in variant characterisation, RNA analysis, or functional assays (e.g., splicing reporters, luciferase assays, NMD inhibition) is essential. We particularly welcome applicants with broader biological expertise relevant to modelling disease mechanisms or therapeutic development, which may include the use of stem cell-derived systems (e.g., iPSC models), tissue models, or in vivo approaches. Familiarity with long-read sequencing and bioinformatics interpretation is also desirable.

This position offers the opportunity to join a collaborative, interdisciplinary team working across clinical, computational, and experimental domains.

Interviews will be held on Wednesday, 30th July.

What you will get in return:

• 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 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.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs, or applications from recruitment agencies. Recruitment agency enquiries should be directed to [e-mail]. Any CVs submitted by agencies will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting, and interviews:

Name: Dr. Siying Lin

Email: [e-mail]

General enquiries:

Email: [e-mail]

Technical support:

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document containing the person specification criteria.