Senior Research Associate

Lancaster University; Bailrigg; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK-based university is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a dynamic team in the Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences. The role focuses on primary cilium development and melanoma, requiring a PhD and excellent skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Candidates should have a background in microscopy, cell culture, and molecular biology techniques. This fixed-term position offers a salary between £39,906 to £48,882 and is for a 28-month period. Informal inquiries are welcome.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field.
• Background in microscopy live imaging, cell culture, and molecular/cell biology techniques.
• UK Home Office personal licence with experience in animal husbandry is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Join a team of researchers in the Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences.
• Focus on primary cilium, development, tissue homeostasis, and cancer.
• Use live imaging and biosensors of cellular processes.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Microscopy live imaging

Cell culture

Molecular/cell biology techniques

Education

PhD in a relevant field

Job description

Senior Research Associate

Biomedical & Life Sciences

• Location: Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK
• Salary: £39,906 to £48,882 (Full time, indefinite with end date)
• Closing Date: Sunday 18 January 2026
• Interview Date: Monday 02 February 2026
• Reference: 0802-25-R

Primary Cilia Melanocyte Development and Melanoma

We are looking for a highly motivated and creative individual to join us as a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) within the group of Dr Richard Mort in the Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences at Lancaster University.

This MRC funded position is part of a collaboration between the Mort and Shih groups at Lancaster University and Prof. Pleasantine Mill at the University of Edinburgh. The position will join a team of researchers based in Lancaster and Edinburgh.

Our groups are interested in the primary cilium, development, tissue homeostasis and cancer with a focus on skin and the melanocyte lineage. We use live imaging and biosensors of cellular processes such as cell cycle progression combined with mathematical modelling and bioinformatic approaches (doi: 10.1038/ncomms10288, doi: 10.1016/j.devcel.2018.10.027, Cell, 2018, doi: 10.1126/science.adf548).

We are looking for a highly motivated individual with excellent communication skills, the capacity to work collaboratively as part of a team and the ability to solve problems creatively.

Qualifications:

• PhD in a relevant field.
• Background in microscopy live imaging, cell culture and molecular/cell biology techniques; interest in development and cancer.
• UK Home Office personal licence with experience in animal husbandry (advantage).
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and problem‐solving skills.

This is a fixed term position at 1.0 FTE for a period of 28 months.

Informal inquiries are welcome. Please contact Dr Richard Mort: [e-mail].

Further Details

Job Description

Person Specification

Please note: unless specified otherwise in the advert, all advertised roles are UK based.

We welcome applications from people in all diversity groups and are happy to consider flexible working requests.

We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity and equality of opportunity.