At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop innovative human disease models using cutting-edge stem cell technologies.
- Company: Join a leading interdisciplinary research initiative with global partners.
- Benefits: Access to world-class facilities, strong mentorship, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Vibrant, inclusive research environment with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in understanding complex diseases and accelerating therapeutic discovery.
- Qualifications: PhD in a relevant field with hands-on experience in stem cell-derived models.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to join the MIMIC programme: “An interconnected multi‑organ platform to recreate the complex pathophysiology of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)”, a major UKRI-funded, interdisciplinary research initiative involving leading academic, clinical, and industrial partners across the UK, Europe, and the USA. MASLD is a complex multisystem metabolic disease involving pathological cross‑talk between the liver, adipose tissue, gut, and immune system. The MIMIC programme aims to develop human, immunocompetent, patient‑derived multi‑organ models, using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and organ‑on‑chip technologies, to better understand disease mechanisms and accelerate therapeutic discovery. This PDRA post focuses on the development and characterisation of iPSC‑derived adipose tissue models and their integration into multi‑tissue platforms.
The successful candidate will play a central role in contributing to the generation of biomimetic, immunocompetent adipose tissue constructs derived from human iPSCs. Working closely with stem cell biologists, immunologists, and bioengineers across the MIMIC consortium, the PDRA will:
- Develop and optimise iPSC‑derived adipocyte differentiation protocols
- Generate 3D adipose tissue organoids incorporating stromal, endothelial, and immune cell populations
- Perform in‑depth molecular, phenotypic and metabolic characterisation of adipose models
- Investigate inflammatory and metabolic dysfunction relevant to MASLD
- Contribute to multi‑organ integration, i.e. adipose–liver–gut cross‑talk
- Support benchmarking of in‑vitro findings against clinical and patient‑derived data
This role provides an exceptional opportunity to work at the cutting edge of human disease modelling, immunometabolism, and regenerative medicine within a large, well‑funded collaborative programme.
You will hold a PhD/DPhil or equivalent in a relevant discipline along with:
- Strong hands‑on experience of stem cell-derived models
- Demonstrated expertise in adipose tissue biology and adipocyte differentiation
- Experience with 3D cell culture, organoid systems, or co‑culture models
- Solid grounding in molecular and cellular biology techniques
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a large interdisciplinary programme
Informal enquiries are welcome and may be directed to: Jaswinder Sethi (j.sethi@soton.ac.uk). Please note that applications sent only to this email address will not be accepted.
An exciting post within a high‑profile UKRI‑funded research programme offers access to world‑class facilities and international collaborators, strong mentorship and career development, including training and conference support, opportunities for collaboration, secondments, and interdisciplinary skills development, a generous holiday allowance as well as additional university closure days, and a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive research environment.
Research Fellow in In Vitro Models of Human Disease in Southampton employer: University of Southampton
The University of Southampton is an outstanding employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters creativity and collaboration among its staff. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to numerous growth opportunities and professional training, all while contributing to impactful marketing strategies that shape the future of education. Located in a vibrant city, the university promotes a healthy work-life balance and values diversity, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals looking to make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow in In Vitro Models of Human Disease in Southampton
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at University of Southampton, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like University of Southampton. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow in In Vitro Models of Human Disease in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at University of Southampton. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at University of Southampton. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Southampton
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at University of Southampton. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at University of Southampton to drive research projects forward.
