Role
The successful candidate will work on a recently funded MRC project taking a multifaceted approach to generate, purify and functionally characterise modified thrombopoietin (TPO) with the overriding aim to improve HSC ex vivo expansion.
The successful candidate will benefit from a highly collaborative programme with academic and clinical interactions in the U.K. and Europe including; Prof. Gavin Wright (York, UK), Prof. Jacob Piehler (Osnabrück, Germany) and Prof. Chris Garcia (Stanford, USA). The post holder will also benefit from a multidisciplinary environment locally at the Centre for Blood Research.
You will already possess or will soon be awarded a PhD in biology, biochemistry or a related subject. You will have experience in generating purified proteins for functional characterization, with particular experience in receptor ligands and/or cytokines. A range of protein production and biophysical techniques will be required, including; cell line culture, molecular cloning, transfection protein generation, purification and biophysical characterization. You will need to be able to work independently as well as part of the programme team working on related projects. Excellent communication skills are essential and you should be keen to develop project/team leadership skills. The post holder will be expected to drive their independent projects, but also work closely with each other and with other lab members and assist in the identification and development of potential areas of research and the development of proposals. The post holder will be expected to write up research results for dissemination through publications, seminar and conference presentations and will be encouraged to participate in public engagement and science outreach activities. Opportunities for mentorship and additional collaborations will be available and encouraged.
Skills, Experience & Qualification needed
You must have a PhD in Biology, Biochemistry or a related subject, or equivalent experience. You should have knowledge of protein production, purification and biophysical characterization. Experience in generating receptor ligands, especially cytokines or growth factors would be highly desirable. Experience in functional characterization, including cellular growth assays, signaling and flow cytometry would be beneficial.
Interview date: End of January 2026