The UK Hub for Predictive and AI-Enabled Human Disease Models is a UK national research initiative funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC), which aims to translate academic New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) into validated, industry-ready systems. The Hub brings together leading scientists, clinicians and commercial organisations to accelerate the development, validation and adoption of predictive human disease models for biomedical research, drug discovery and experimental medicine. The Hub is based at the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute (CSCI), University of Cambridge.
The successful candidate will join the research group led by Professor Matthias Zilbauer at the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute. The group specialises in human intestinal stem cell biology, organoid technology and the study of intestinal health and disease, with a particular focus on epithelial biology and epigenetic regulation.
We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to the development, optimisation and validation of human intestinal organoid models as part of this ambitious national programme.
The postholder will play a key role in expanding the human intestinal organoid biobank, contributing to the Hub's target of establishing an additional 2,000 organoid lines. They will develop and optimise organoid culture systems, support the introduction of automated culture workflows and undertake molecular and epigenetic profiling, including DNA methylation profiling, spatial transcriptomics and other multi-omics approaches.
The role will involve independent and collaborative research, including the development of functional assays and application of molecular and cellular techniques to characterise intestinal organoid models. The postholder will work closely with researchers, clinicians and external partners to support the development of robust, reproducible and predictive human disease models.
The successful candidate will have:
A PhD in Stem Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology or a closely related discipline.
Demonstrated hands-on experience in establishing, maintaining, expanding and cryopreserving human intestinal organoid cultures.
Experience with molecular biology techniques and molecular profiling approaches, including DNA methylation, transcriptomics or related multi-omics methods.
Experience with CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing or related genetic manipulation techniques.
Basic knowledge or experience of bioinformatic analysis.
Strong organisational and communication skills, with the ability to undertake independent research and work collaboratively.
Experience with advanced imaging, flow cytometry, organoid-derived monolayers or automated cell culture workflows would be advantageous.
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a major national research initiative, working at the interface of human stem cell biology, disease modelling and translational research. The position offers opportunities to develop new experimental approaches, work with academic and industry partners, and contribute to research with applications in biomedical science and drug discovery.
Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD, an equivalent research doctorate. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level (Grade 5), which will be amended to Research Associate once PhD has been awarded.
Full-time: 1.0 FTE
Fixed-term until 31/03/2030
Informal enquiries: Professor Matthias Zilbauer - [email protected]
To apply online for this vacancy and view further information about the role, please use the University of Cambridge recruitment website.
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Applicants must have (or be close to obtaining) a PhD.
Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5, Point 38 £34,132) moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of your PhD award.
Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.
Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.
Please quote reference PS51462 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
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