Research Associate in Stem Cell Biology and Cardiac Development

We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Birket Lab, an ambitious team pioneering research in human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) biology and heart development. This role offers the chance to lead transformative investigations into the molecular biology of human cardiac progenitors and the determinants of cardiac cell fate, with direct impact on regenerative medicine and the understanding of congenital heart disease (CHD).

Funded through a prestigious UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship awarded to Dr Matthew Birket (“Understanding Cardiac Progenitors to Deliver Regenerative Medicine and Disease Modelling”), the project builds on our recent breakthrough findings (The EMBO Journal, 2025) revealing a pivotal role for the transcription factor HAND1 in mesodermal lineage decisions. The next phase will resolve the molecular mechanisms of early cardiac development, uncover regulatory networks, and harness new approaches to direct differentiation for both academic discovery and clinical application.

The successful candidate will take responsibility for planning and performing experiments, maintaining and differentiating hPSCs, and characterising cells using imaging, flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry. They will analyse large-scale datasets, integrate findings with the literature, and contribute to manuscripts, presentations and collaborations. Alongside leading their own projects, they will support PhD students, help organise the lab, and play an active role in shaping research directions. The post combines hands‑on experimental biology with bioinformatics and analytical leadership, offering the opportunity to work with cutting‑edge technologies including single‑cell genomics, multi‑omics, CRISPR‑Cas9 editing and screening, centred on advanced cardiac differentiation models.

Applicants should hold (or be close to completing) a PhD in molecular biology, stem cell biology, genetics or a related discipline, with strong technical skills in cell and molecular biology and experience in hPSC culture or models of heart development. Excellent communication skills, a collaborative mindset, and enthusiasm for contributing to a vibrant research environment are essential. Experience with sequencing analysis including single‑cell genomics would be advantageous.

What will you 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 – you can find out more here

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 People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk.

Any CVs submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Dr. Matthew Birket

Email: matthew.birket@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support: jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

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