We are seeking an enthusiastic, dynamic and ambitious postdoctoral Research Associate to join the group of Dr Adam Wilkinson. The Wilkinson Group has recently relocated from the University of Oxford to the University of Cambridge's Department of Haematology and Cambridge Stem Cell Institute where the postholder holder will be based. Our group's research focusses on expanding and manipulating haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) ex vivo. We have pioneered highly influential new methods to expand transplantable HSCs long-term ex vivo (Wilkinson et al, Nature, 2019; Igarashi et al, Blood Advances, 2023; Sakurai et al, Nature, 2023; Bozhilov et al., bioRxiv 2024) which are now in use worldwide. Our group has significant funding from the Wellcome Trust and Krishnan-Ang Foundation.
The postholder will lead a project related to the molecular mechanisms regulating HSC expansion and differentiation. Your research will employ ex vivo HSC expansion techniques developed in the Wilkinson Lab in combination with CRISPR-based gene editing, genetic and small molecule screening, and a range of molecular and single cell assays.
You will have a PhD in a relevant discipline and at least one first author primary research paper relevant to this post. You will have extensive knowledge of HSC biology and experience with relevant ex vivo cellular and in vivo functional assays, and molecular and single cell assays. You will have strong communications and organisational skills and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
Informal enquiries to Adam Wilkinson at
Fixed-term: Funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance.
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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 £34,610) 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.
Closing date: 24th October 2025
Interviews will be held on or after 31 October 2025.
Please quote reference RB46102 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
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