Salary
£35,608 to £47,389 per annum pro‑rated (if applicable) depending on skills and experience. Salary progression beyond this scale is subject to performance.
Location
University Park, Translational Medical Sciences, University of Nottingham.
Closing date
Saturday 23 May 2026
Reference
MED947226
Overview
Applications are invited for a Research Fellow to work on a Wellcome funded project using multiple molecular genetics techniques including high throughput CRISPRi screens, lung cell and tissue models and spatial transcriptomics in the laboratory of Professors Ian Sayers and Ian Hall (Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, UK). In this highly collaborative project involving the Universities of Nottingham, Leicester and Cambridge we aim to accelerate the discovery of genetic risk factors for lung function impairment with a particular focus on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and define the mechanisms and biological pathways underpinning the observed associations. In Nottingham, we will use human primary airway cells combined with CRISPRi to identify functional causal genetic variants, genes and pathways, and explore these mechanisms further using complex cell and tissue models combined with spatial transcriptomics of the lung to provide novel understanding. This programme of research will improve the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of respiratory disease through mechanistic discoveries that identify new drug targets and biomarkers, and highlight drug re‑purposing opportunities. This position is especially suited to candidates with interest in functional genomics, bioinformatics, lung cell biology and respiratory medicine. The successful candidate will work in close collaboration with researchers in Leicester and Cambridge and additional collaborators, offering a unique opportunity to develop skills in state‑of‑the‑art technologies.
Responsibilities
Conduct and lead CRISPRi screens; develop and maintain primary airway cell cultures; analyze large genomic datasets; perform CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing and other molecular biology approaches; collaborate with multi‑institutional partners; contribute to publication of research findings; assist in training and mentoring.
Qualifications
* PhD in respiratory molecular genetics or a related area of biological science.
* High motivation and self‑driven.
* Considerable experience in primary human airway cell culture, handling and analysing large genomic datasets, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing and other molecular biology approaches.
* A track record of publishing research is desirable.
Contract & hours
Fixed‑term contract for 24 months. Full‑time hours of 36.25 hours per week, with part‑time arrangements available (minimum 29 hours per week). Preference for part‑time must be indicated in application.
Benefits
The position represents a significant opportunity through the provision of training, continued support, and career progression opportunities.
We welcome applications from all backgrounds and comply with statutory equality duties.
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