About this role
Job reference: BMH-030597 Salary: £37,694 - £46,049 per annum, depending on relevant experience Faculty/Organisational Unit: Biology, Medicine Health Location: Oxford Road Employment type: Fixed Term Division/Team: Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Science Hours Per Week: Full Time Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY): 15/02/2026 Contract Duration: 24 Months School/Directorate: School of Biological Sciences
About the Role:
The Rice Lab within the Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences wish to appoint a laboratory-based Research Associate to an exciting project exploring the biological impact of osteoarthritis effector genes.
We seek a highly motivated postdoctoral molecular cell biologist to investigate how the expression levels of specific proteins identified through osteoarthritis GWAS can influence the biology of multiple cell types from the human joint, including chondrocytes and fibroblast-like synoviocytes. During this position, the post-holder will undertake a range of molecular and cell biological activities, including use of CRISPR-Cas9, primary cell culture, molecular cloning, western blotting, RT-PCR, cell imaging, and biochemical techniques to characterise the cartilage extracellular matrix and multiple joint cell types.
The successful candidate would be expected to perform experiments independently and to work alongside the Principal Investigator to conceptualise studies, design experiments and publish their findings in appropriate journals. The role will involve contributing to a team-science approach in the laboratory, supporting other team members and trainees intellectually and practically and working collaboratively with internal and external collaborators. This will be a highly collaborative project between the universities of Manchester, Bristol and Newcastle.
The successful candidate would be expected to be curious and rigorous, with demonstrable knowledge of cell biology relevant to the research focus of the laboratory and substantial experience in a wide range of relevant techniques. Applicants should have a strong background in molecular cell biology as detailed in the Further Particulars. Expertise in complex disease genetics is highly desirable.
What you will get in return:
Fantastic market leading Pension scheme Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays Additional paid closure over the Christmas period Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers
As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit. Our University is positive about flexible working. Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.
Please be aware that due to the number of applications we are unfortunately not able to provide individual feedback on your application.
Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.
Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to [email protected]
Any CVs submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.
Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:
Name: Dr Sarah Rice
Email: [email protected]
General enquiries:
Email: [email protected]
Technical support:
jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home
Interviews will take place on the 23rd and 24th February.
This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.