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. These mechanisms will be explored further using more 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 that highlight drug re-purposing opportunities. This position will be especially suited to candidates with interest in functional genomics, bioinformatics, lung cell biology and respiratory medicine. The successful candidate will also work in close collaboration with researchers in Leicester and Cambridge and additional collaborators. This post offers a unique opportunity to work in fast developing field of molecular genetics and to develop skills in state-of-the-art technologies.

Applicants must be highly motivated and self-driven, with a PhD in respiratory molecular genetics or related area of biological science or near to completion of a PhD. The successful candidate will ideally have considerable experience in some of the following areas: 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 also desirable.

The successful candidate will join a friendly, diverse, and supportive research group based in the Biodiscovery Institute. The position represents a significant opportunity through the provision of training, continued support, and career progression opportunities.

This role will be offered on a fixed-term contract for 24 months. Hours of work are full-time (36.25 hours); however applications are also welcome from candidates wishing to work part-time (minimum 29 hours per week). Please specify in your application if you wish to work part time and the number of preferred hours.

If you are interested about this role, please click apply now, submit your details and upload a copy of your CV.

For informal enquiries please contact Ian Sayers (ian.sayers@nottingham.ac.uk). Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

Closing Date: 10 Aug 2026
Category: Research and Teaching (R&T)

You will join our established, multi-disciplinary Gastrointestinal MRI Research Group and drive this new research collaboration encompassing Medicine, Pharmacy, the world-famous Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre and the manufacturer of the capsule formulations. The work will also involve contributing to other projects from the team’s portfolio including image data analyses. You will have the opportunity to use your initiative and creativity and enrich your curriculum vitae.

We offer a friendly, diverse, and supportive working environment, and generous holiday entitlement of 30 [A1] days plus standard bank holidays and five university closure days including closure between Christmas and New Year. We are committed to staff development through the provision of training, continued support, and career progression opportunities. You will have access to a range of benefits and rewards, including fitness and health facilities, staff discounts, travel schemes and many more. To find out more about what we can offer you, follow the link to our benefits website

Further information is available in the role profile. To apply for this vacancy please click ‘Apply Now’ to complete your details and upload a copy of your CV.

This position is a fixed-term contract for 12 months. Your working hours will be 36.25 hours per week. 

Closing Date: 09 Aug 2026
Category: Research and Teaching (R&T)