Research Fellow in In Vitro Models of Human Disease

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to join the MIMIC programme: “An interconnected multi‑organ platform to recreate the complex pathophysiology of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)”, a major UKRI-funded, interdisciplinary research initiative involving leading academic, clinical, and industrial partners across the UK, Europe, and the USA.

MASLD is a complex multisystem metabolic disease involving pathological cross‑talk between the liver, adipose tissue, gut, and immune system. The MIMIC programme aims to develop human, immunocompetent, patient‑derived multi‑organ models, using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and organ‑on‑chip technologies, to better understand disease mechanisms and accelerate therapeutic discovery. This PDRA post focuses on the development and characterisation of iPSC‑derived adipose tissue models and their integration into multi‑tissue platforms.

The Role

The successful candidate will play a central role in contributing to the generation of biomimetic, immunocompetent adipose tissue constructs derived from human iPSCs. Working closely with stem cell biologists, immunologists, and bioengineers across the MIMIC consortium, the PDRA will:

• Develop and optimise iPSC‑derived adipocyte differentiation protocols 
• Generate 3D adipose tissue organoids incorporating stromal, endothelial, and immune cell populations
• Perform in‑depth molecular, phenotypic and metabolic characterisation of adipose models
• Investigate inflammatory and metabolic dysfunction relevant to MASLD
• Contribute to multi‑organ integration, i.e. adipose–liver–gut cross‑talk 
• Support benchmarking of in‑vitro findings against clinical and patient‑derived data

This role provides an exceptional opportunity to work at the cutting edge of human disease modelling, immunometabolism, and regenerative medicine within a large, well‑funded collaborative programme.

About you

You will hold a PhD/DPhil or equivalent a relevant discipline along with:

• Strong hands‑on experience of stem cell-derived models
• Demonstrated expertise in adipose tissue biology and adipocyte differentiation
• Experience with 3D cell culture, organoid systems, or co‑culture models
• Solid grounding in molecular and cellular biology techniques 
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a large interdisciplinary programme

Informal enquiries are welcome and may be directed to: Jaswinder Sethi (j.sethi@soton.ac.uk). Please note that applications sent only to this email address will not be accepted.

What we offer 

• An exciting post within a high‑profile UKRI‑funded research programme
• Access to world‑class facilities and international collaborators
• Strong mentorship and career development, including training and conference support
• Opportunities for collaboration, secondments, and interdisciplinary skills development
• A generous holiday allowance as well as additional university closure days
• A vibrant, inclusive, and supportive research environment

Further details:

• Job Description and Person Specification

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applicants who support our mission of inclusivity.

Apply by 11.59 pm UK time on the closing date. For assistance contact Recruitment on +44(0)2380 592750 or recruitment@soton.ac.uk quoting the job number.

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