University of Nottingham
Research Associate/Fellow (Fixed-Term)

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Area
Translational Medical Sciences
Location
University Park
Salary
£35,608 to £47,389 per annum pro-rata (if applicable) depending on skills and experience. Salary progression beyond this scale is subject to performance.
Closing Date
Monday 10 August 2026
Interview Date
To be confirmed
Reference
MED947226X1
Applications are invited for a Research Associate/Fellow to work on a Welcome funded project using multiple molecular genetics techniques including high throughput CRISPRi screens, lung cell and tissue models and spatial transcriptomics in the laboratory of Professors Ian Sayers and Ian Hall (Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, UK).
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.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
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.


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
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.
Further details:
Job Description/Role Profile
Our university is a supportive, inclusive, caring and positive community. We welcome those of different cultures, ethnicities and beliefs – indeed this very diversity is vital to our success, it is fundamental to our values and enriches life on campus. Visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion website.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) employer. Increasing the diversity of our community is extremely important to us and we are committed to the aims of Disability Confident Scheme.
We are the first university to have achieved Athena Swan Gold Award.
To help you succeed, we published Candidate Guidance to provide support on the application and interview process.
Discover our benefits, visit Your Benefits website.
We welcome applications from UK, Europe and worldwide and aim to make your move to the UK as smooth as possible. Visit the Moving to Nottingham page for details.
Your application will be considered on an equal basis, subject to the relevant permission to work in the UK as set out by UK Visas & Immigration.
View All Vacancies
View Previous List
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills