Research Fellow

About us

Our mission is to maximise and advocate for the holistic health of all children, young people and the adults they will become, through world-class research, education and public engagement. The Institute offers world-class education and training across a wide range of teaching and life learning programmes which address the needs of students and professional groups who are interested in and undertaking work relevant to child health. GOS ICH holds an Athena SWAN Charter Gold Award. Please only attach relevant documents to your application (qualifications, cover letters, supporting statements) and avoid attaching large files e.g. research papers, thesis, publications etc.

About the role

We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to contribute to a translational research programme aimed at developing gene therapy for Norrie disease. Norrie disease is a rare genetic condition that primarily affects bo ys who are born blind develop hearing loss. This project focuses on the development and application of human iPSC-derived disease models to generate preclinical evidence supporting an AAV-mediated NDP gene therapy approach, representing a key step toward clinical translation by validating therapeutic efficacy in human-relevant systems. The post holder will play a central role in establishing and analysing patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models and advanced 3D organoid and assembloid systems, including vascularised retinal and inner ear models, to investigate endothelial cell function and vascular barrier integrity. This is a highly multidisciplinary and collaborative project, bringing together expertise in stem cell biology, vascular biology, gene therapy, and clinical research. The successful candidate will work closely with clinicians, translational researchers, and patient partners, including the Norrie Disease Foundation, to ensure alignment with patient pri orities and clinical impact. Available until 31st August 2028 in the first instance with possibility for extension.

About you

Candidates must have a PhD (or about to be awarded) in a relevant area and a BSc/MSc in a related life science subject (e.g. genetics/ stem cell biology/ developmental biology). Proven research aptitude and laboratory experience is essential. Research experience in iPSC generation and culture, organoid/assembloid systems, and disease modelling is essential, alongside proficiency in molecular and cell biology techniques such as qPCR, RNA sequencing, immunohistochemistry, and confocal microscopy. The successful applicant will be able to lead high-quality research and operate independently but will also communicate and work effectively with members of the research group and collaborators to achieve the project goals. This post will be based in the Newlife Birth Defects Research Centre at the UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, which is committed t o the study of genetics and development, stem cell biology, and regenerative medicine, linking basic biological advances to the clinic.

What we offer

Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here : https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/

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