Research Fellow in Cell and Developmental Biology

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Research Fellow to join the Salah Elias laboratory at the University of Southampton and lead the experimental research within a BBSRC-funded project investigating mechanisms of mammary epithelial morphogenesis through AI-integrated human organoid models and predictive cell fate mapping. This is an excellent opportunity to shape an innovative project and develop a distinctive interdisciplinary profile at the interface of cell and developmental biology, human organoid models, advanced imaging, molecular phenotyping and computational biology.

About the project

The project combines patient-derived mammary organoids, high-resolution 3D/4D imaging, single-cell transcriptomics and AI-driven analysis and modelling to uncover mechanisms governing epithelial morphogenesis. At its core is a fundamental question: how do polarised cell divisions coordinate luminogenesis with cell fate and differentiation to build and maintain functional epithelial architecture? By addressing this question in physiologically relevant human models, the project aims to define how these mechanisms safeguard epithelial integrity and how their disruption leads to abnormal tissue organisation.

You will take a central role in the scientific development of this ambitious programme, including experimental design, data analysis and interpretation. You will use patient-derived human mammary organoids and gene loss-of-function approaches, together with high-resolution 3D/4D fluorescence imaging, fate mapping, advanced quantitative analysis, and single-cell RNA sequencing, to connect molecular and cellular mechanisms with cell fate and tissue architecture.

A major strength of the project is the integration of experimental and computational biology. Working with computational researchers, you will integrate multimodal imaging and transcriptomic data into AI-driven mechanistic and predictive models to determine how changes at the level of individual cells influence tissue-level organisation and function.

About you

You will have a PhD, or be close to completing one, in cell biology, developmental biology, stem cell biology or a related discipline.

You will have strong experimental experience across several relevant areas of cell and developmental biology, which may include organoid or mammalian cell culture, epithelial biology, high-resolution fluorescence microscopy and molecular biology. Experience in advanced automated or semi-automated quantitative image analysis would be particularly valuable. An understanding of computational or mathematical modelling would be advantageous, but is not essential.

You will be a creative and collaborative scientist with a proactive, analytical approach and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research. You should be able to plan and conduct rigorous experiments, interpret data, troubleshoot methods and communicate findings clearly.

Alongside leading the experimental research, you will contribute scientific ideas and interpretation, support collaborative projects, help develop grant proposals, prepare research for publication in international peer-reviewed journals, train colleagues in new methods and advise on scientific protocols. You will bring excellent interpersonal skills and work constructively with colleagues and collaborators across disciplines.

What we offer

You will join a collaborative, multidisciplinary and supportive research environment bringing together expertise in mammary biology, organoids, advanced imaging, single-cell biology, AI and computational modelling. You will have access to state-of-the-art microscopy, flow-cytometry and high-performance computing facilities, multidisciplinary training and career-development opportunities.

The University of Southampton offers a range of benefits, including a generous holiday allowance and additional University closure days. We support flexible working and a healthy work–life balance, alongside access to the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), subsidised health and fitness facilities and a range of staff discounts.

The post is offered on a three-year fixed-term basis.

For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Salah Elias at S.K.Elias@soton.ac.uk.

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