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- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to research and improve haematopoietic stem cell expansion.
- Company: University of York's prestigious Biology Department with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Collaborative environment, mentorship opportunities, and involvement in impactful research.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in health science while developing your skills and career.
- Qualifications: PhD in biology or biochemistry, with experience in protein production and purification.
- Other info: Engage in exciting collaborations across the UK and Europe.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Department of Biology is recognised as one of the leading and most accomplished departments at York, with a global reputation for excellence in both teaching and research. We are committed to fostering a supportive environment where staff and students can thrive, contribute their best, and achieve their full potential. We take great pride in holding the Athena Swan Gold Award.
We are looking for a talented and motivated full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the group of Professor Ian Hitchcock based in the Department of Biology at the University of York. The Hitchcock lab focuses on understanding the mechanisms that regulate normal haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) maintenance and how this is altered in haematological malignancies. The Hitchcock lab, working in collaboration with Professor David Kent, takes a multi-disciplinary team science approach to understand the dynamics of HSC clonal expansion, characterise and modify the mechanisms of cytokine receptor activation, and determine mechanisms responsible for the development of haematological disorders to improve HSC ex vivo expansion.
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)
- Prof. Chris Garcia (Stanford, USA)
- The Centre for Blood Research (local multidisciplinary environment)
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
- 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
For informal enquiries: please contact Professor Ian Hitchcock on ian.hitchcock@york.ac.uk
Postdoctoral Researcher in Protein Production employer: University of York
Contact Detail:
University of York Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Researcher in Protein Production
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the field, especially those who might know someone at the University of York. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the research done by Professor Ian Hitchcock and his team. Show us you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their projects.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! You’ll need to explain complex ideas clearly, so consider doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to get comfortable discussing your research.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Researcher in Protein Production
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Postdoctoral Researcher. Highlight your experience in protein production and purification, as well as any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this position and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Don't forget to mention your interest in collaborative research and any specific techniques you're proficient in.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, make sure to demonstrate your ability to convey complex ideas clearly in your application. Whether it's through your writing style or examples of past presentations, we want to see that you can engage with both academic and public audiences.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us that you're proactive and keen to join our supportive environment at the University of York!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of York
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest research from the Hitchcock lab and related fields. Familiarise yourself with key publications, especially those mentioned in the job description, like the Nature and Science articles. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience with protein production and purification techniques. Be ready to provide specific examples of projects where you’ve used cell line culture, molecular cloning, or biophysical characterisation. Highlight any challenges you faced and how you overcame them to demonstrate your problem-solving abilities.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with a multidisciplinary team, be prepared to talk about your previous collaborative experiences. Share examples of how you contributed to team projects and how you communicated effectively with colleagues from different backgrounds. This will show that you can thrive in a supportive environment.
✨Prepare Questions for Your Interviewers
Think of insightful questions to ask Professor Ian Hitchcock and the team. Inquire about ongoing projects, potential collaborations, or the lab's future direction. This demonstrates your enthusiasm for the role and helps you assess if the lab is the right fit for you.
