Senior Research Associate in Renal Cell Biology

The role

Bristol Renal is seeking a Senior Research Associate (SRA) to work on a Kidney Research UK-funded project to develop a high throughput in vitro assay for predicting kidney uptake and retention of radiopharmaceutical agents. This will facilitate triaging peptides at an early stage for reduced kidney toxicity. The successful applicant will design and conduct experiments outlined below with supervision and support provided by Dr Wen Yi Ding (Consultant Paediatric Nephrologist), Professor Gavin Welsh (Professor of Renal Cell Biology) and Professor Moin Saleem (Professor and Consultant Paediatric Nephrologist). The SRA will work in collaboration with Bicycle Therapeutics (https://www.bicycletherapeutics.com/) to develop this in vitro assay using their radiopharmaceutical agents.

Bristol Renal comprises 40 researchers including 6 principal investigators, a mix of clinical researchers and basic scientists focussed on investigating renal diseases that affect children and adults. We have an international reputation for our work on glomerular biology and disease. We have developed high throughput GlomSpheres (PMID: 34857869) and tubuloids (currently unpublished) that will form the basis of this project.

Our work spans basic laboratory science, genetics, bioinformatics and clinical trials, aiming to improve understanding of the aetiology, management and prevention of kidney disease. In the independent research performance tool SciVal, which ranks 7500 institutions worldwide, Bristol University is in the top 3 globally for podocytes — clearly demonstrating our world-leading status.

The appointee will therefore benefit from a wealth of experience, insight into many other projects running in Bristol Renal and strong support from a peer group. We aim to maintain a friendly and collaborative environment where work is enjoyable and staff have the encouragement and opportunity to pursue their career goals.

What will you be doing?

The successful candidate will play a key role in developing this research project and ensuring its success.  You will design and carry out research within Bristol Renal in a skilled and professional manner reporting to, and with support from, the PIs. Specifically:

• Using peptidic compounds (non-radioactive, fluorescent versions), conduct in vitro experiments on 2D cell culture, and GlomSpheres and tubuloids.
• These results will be compared against known kidney retention in rodents and optimised
• Upscale these to the Naviplate system (384 well plates)
• Screen a large number of compounds to demonstrate assay suitability as a high throughput assay

You should apply if

• Strong background in biochemistry, cell biology and/or molecular biology.
• Expertise in laboratory research, podocyte and tubular cell culture
• Knowledge in good laboratory practice
• Ability to learn and develop new techniques, identify technical problems and – in collaboration with the project’s PIs – discuss and work out solutions.
• Ability to organize own work
• Capacity to plan experiments, interpret the results and be able to work without close supervision.
• PhD in a biomedical science or related fields (or equivalent degree)
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Clear ability to communicate ideas (written and verbal) with others, including external collaborators.
• Highly motivated, hardworking and adaptable.
• Good IT skills
• Ability to accept advice and guidance
• Experience of writing for publication and presenting at scientific meetings.

Additional information

Contract type: Open ended contract for 12 months with potential to extend

Shift pattern: 35 hours per week 

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 07/07/2026

For informal queries please contact: 

Wen Ding (Consultant nephrologist and honorary Senior Lecturer): wen.ding@bristol.ac.uk

Gavin Welsh (Professor of Renal Cell Biology): g.i.welsh@bristol.ac.uk 

Advert information