Postdoctoral Research Associate

Are you an ambitious, curious, and driven scientist with an interest in metabolic research? This is an exciting opportunity to join the dynamic research environment at the Royal Veterinary College and contribute to a project with translational potential for human health.

The Project:

You will join a Diabetes UK–funded research project led by Dr Gemma Brierley, whose group investigates the molecular underpinnings of insulin resistance. This project builds on our previous work using agonistic antibodies to activate mutated insulin receptors in cellular and animal models of human insulin receptoropathy. Insulin receptoropathy is a rare form of diabetes, for which there is no effective treatment.

Your mission:

• Optimise next-generation antibodies to overcome antibody-induced receptor degradation
• Advance our understanding of insulin and IGF receptor biology
• Drive ongoing studies to publication and help shape the next phase of this research

This role offers the best of both worlds: a clear translational trajectory with the freedom to explore fundamental molecular mechanisms.

What we are looking for:

If you thrive in a collaborative, supportive environment and enjoy taking ownership of your research, you will fit right in. You will bring:

• A PhD in a relevant field (biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, or related discipline)
• Strong practical experience in:
• Eukaryotic cell culture
• Molecular biology
• Protein biochemistry
• Excellent organisational skills, scientific curiosity, and the drive to see projects through to publication

The Post:

Duration: 1-year initially, with the possibility of extension for an exceptional candidate (subject to funding) Environment: You will be a core member of the Brierley Research Group - we are committed to mentoring, scientific growth, and helping researchers achieve their career ambitions.

Impact: Your work will directly contribute to developing therapeutic strategies for rare insulin receptor disorders, and deepen our understanding of metabolic and mitogenic signalling arising from the insulin receptor.

We offer a generous reward package and benefits including:

• Competitive and attractive pension package
• Generous 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays and concessionary days)
• On site café and restaurant
• Free membership to the Fitness and Wellbeing Centre located on site
• Cycle to work scheme
• A range of family friendly policies, including adoption, maternity and paternity pay and leave

If you want to build a strong publication record, develop cutting-edge expertise, and contribute to research with genuine translational relevance, we'd like to hear from you. For informal enquiries please contact Dr Gemma Brierley (gbrierley@rvc.ac.uk)

We promote equality of opportunity and diversity within the workplace and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.

Closing Date: 01/05/2026

Interview Date: 11/05/2026

Reference: CBS-0054-26

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