Senior Research Associate R

Senior Research Associate (Postdoctoral Research Associate - PDRA)

Biomedical & Life Sciences

Location: Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK

Salary: £39,906 to £46,049 (Full time, indefinite with end date)

Closing Date: Sunday 18 January 2026

Interview Date: Monday 02 February 2026

Reference: 0802-25-R

We are looking for a highly motivated and creative individual to join us as a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) within the group of Dr Richard Mort in the Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences at Lancaster University.

This MRC funded position is part of a collaboration between the Mort and Shih groups at Lancaster University and Prof. Pleasantine Mill at the University of Edinburgh. The position will join a team of researchers based in Lancaster and Edinburgh.

Our groups are interested in the primary cilium, development, tissue homeostasis and cancer with a focus on skin and the melanocyte lineage. We use live imaging and biosensors of cellular processes such as cell cycle progression combined with mathematical modelling and bioinformatic approaches.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct microscopy live imaging, cell culture and molecular/cell biology experiments focused on primary cilium and melanocyte biology.
• Analyze and model cellular data using bioinformatic and mathematical techniques.
• Collaborate with research partners in Lancaster and Edinburgh and contribute to joint MRC projects.
• Prepare and deliver scientific presentations and published papers.

Qualifications:

• PhD in a relevant field (cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, etc.).
• Strong background in microscopy live imaging, cell culture and molecular/cell biology techniques.
• Interest in developmental biology and cancer research.
• Experience with animal husbandry and holding a UK Home Office personal license is an advantage.
• Excellent communication skills, capacity to work collaboratively and solve problems creatively.

This is a fixed-term position at 1.0 FTE for a period of 28 months.

The Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, within the Faculty of Health and Medicine at Lancaster University, is a rapidly growing division whose research effort is directed towards understanding basic cellular and physiological mechanisms that underpin disease states. It provides a friendly research environment that strongly supports the individual needs of each employee and actively promotes a healthy work-life balance. The Faculty is committed to family-friendly and flexible working policies and holds a Silver Athena SWAN award since 2014 in recognition of good employment practice undertaken to address gender equality in higher education and research.

Informal inquiries are welcome. Please contact Dr Richard Mort:

We welcome applications from people in all diversity groups and are happy to consider flexible working requests.

We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity, and equality of opportunity.