Research Fellow

Research Fellow

We are looking to appoint an enthusiastic and highly motivated postdoctoral Research Fellow to join our dynamic, multidisciplinary research group at the forefront of regenerative medicine, organoid biology and upper gastrointestinal disease modelling.

The postholder will play a lead role in developing, optimising and applying human stomach and upper GI organoid/assembloid systems. The project will use patient-derived and/or pluripotent-stem-cell-derived models to investigate upper GI development, regional identity, epithelial-mesenchymal crosstalk, regeneration and disease mechanisms. A central aim will be to integrate advanced organoid and assembloid culture with molecular perturbation and quantitative phenotyping. Relevant approaches will include CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing or perturbation, sequencing-based readouts, confocal and/or light-sheet imaging, immunofluorescence, whole-mount staining, tissue clearing and 3D image analysis. The successful candidate will contribute to experimental design, organoid culture and differentiation, tissue assembly, sample processing, quality control, data analysis, presentation of findings, manuscript preparation and collaborative project outputs. They will also help establish robust, reproducible workflows and may contribute to the training of students and other members of the group.

The position is available from September 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter, until 31st March 2027 in the first instance, with the possibility of extension until 30 March 2028, subject to funding. Funding for this position is made available from the NIHR GOSH BRC. The postholder will be based at the Zayed Centre for Research within the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health and will work primarily on site. Full training and support will be provided, including training in in-house organoid, imaging, sequencing and analysis pipelines. The post-holder will be line managed by Professor Paolo De Coppi.

Candidates should have a PhD, or be close to obtaining a PhD, in a relevant life science discipline such as molecular biology, stem cell biology, developmental biology, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, genetics, genomics, organoid biology or disease modelling, together with a BSc/MSc in a related subject. Proven research aptitude and hands-on laboratory experience are essential. The ideal candidate will have experience in mammalian cell culture and/or human organoid, assembloid or other 3D culture systems, with strong molecular and cell biology skills. Experience with gastrointestinal, stomach or epithelial model systems would be particularly relevant. Candidates should demonstrate excellent attention to detail, strong organisational skills, accurate record keeping, the ability to troubleshoot experiments, and the capacity to analyse and present complex data. Experience or strong interest in CRISPR/Cas9 approaches, sequencing workflows, confocal/light-sheet imaging, immunostaining, tissue clearing, 3D image analysis or quantitative phenotyping would be advantageous. The successful applicant will be able to lead high-quality research and work independently while communicating effectively with members of the research group, students, clinicians, bioinformaticians, imaging specialists and external collaborators. A positive, collegiate approach and willingness to contribute to a multidisciplinary research environment are essential.

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits some of which are below: 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days) Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE) Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan On-Site nursery On-site gym Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service Discounted medical insurance

As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here.