Research Fellow in In Vitro Models of Human Disease, University of Southampton, UK

Summary

The University of Southampton is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to join the UKRI-funded MIMIC programme (“An interconnected multi-organ platform to recreate the complex pathophysiology of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)”). This major interdisciplinary research initiative brings together leading academic, clinical, and industrial partners across the UK, Europe, and the USA. The post holder will focus on developing and characterizing human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived adipose tissue models and integrating them into multi-organ-on-chip platforms to elucidate disease mechanisms and accelerate therapeutic discovery.

Key Job Details

Research Area

• In Vitro Disease Modelling & Organ-on-Chip Technologies
• Stem Cell Biology & iPSC Differentiation
• Adipose Tissue Biology & 3D Organoid Systems
• Immunometabolism & Multisystem Metabolic Diseases (MASLD)

Eligibility & Qualifications

Applicants should possess:

• A PhD/DPhil (or equivalent) in a relevant biological, biomedical, or bioengineering discipline.
• Proven hands-on experience working with stem cell-derived models.
• Demonstrated expertise in adipose tissue biology and adipocyte differentiation protocols.
• Practical experience in 3D cell culture, organoid systems, or co-culture models.
• A solid foundation in standard molecular and cellular biology techniques.
• The ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a large-scale, multidisciplinary research consortium.

Job Description & Responsibilities

The successful candidate will play a central role in generating biomimetic, immunocompetent adipose tissue constructs derived from human iPSCs. Key duties include:

• Developing and optimizing protocols for iPSC-derived adipocyte differentiation.
• Engineering 3D adipose tissue organoids incorporating stromal, endothelial, and immune cell populations.
• Conducting detailed molecular, phenotypic, and metabolic characterizations of adipose models.
• Investigating inflammatory and metabolic dysfunction pathways relevant to MASLD.
• Assisting with multi-organ integration to study adipose–liver–gut cross-talk.
• Benchmarking in vitro experimental findings against clinical and patient-derived data.

How to Apply

1. Application Method: Submit your application online via the official University of Southampton e-recruitment portal (jobs.soton.ac.uk).
2. Informal Enquiries: For informal questions about the project, contact Jaswinder Sethi at j.sethi@soton.ac.uk (Note: Formal applications sent directly via email will not be accepted).
3. Recruitment Assistance: For technical help with the recruitment system, contact recruitment@soton.ac.uk or call +44(0)2380 592750 quoting vacancy reference 3472226AF.

Last Date to Apply

• Tuesday, 01 September 2026 (by 11:59 PM UK time)

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