University of Bristol - School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience
Research Associate in Dynamic Cell Biology
University of Bristol - School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Bristol, Connecticut, us, 06010
Research Associate in Dynamic Cell Biology
Join to apply for the Research Associate in Dynamic Cell Biology role at University of Bristol - School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience.
Overview The Weavers group seeks to understand the cellular mechanisms that enable diverse tissues (including the skin and renal systems) to thrive under challenging conditions. Harnessing powerful in vivo models, our work spans multiple biological scales – linking the molecular cell biology of individual cells to the health of whole tissues and organisms. Our ultimate goal is to identify ways to improve life‑long tissue health and recovery.
In this position, you will investigate how cell biology is patterned within the renal system, probing why this patterning is fundamental for organ function and how its dysregulation drives disease. Recent findings in our team (e.g., Holcombe & Weavers Nature Communications 2023) form the basis for this work. You will employ an integrated, interdisciplinary approach that combines in vivo studies in Drosophila – with state‑of‑the‑art live‑imaging, genetics, molecular cell biology, single‑cell/spatial ‘omics – as well as innovative technologies and collaborative work on mammalian tissue biology and human organ transplantation.
Supported by the Wellcome Trust, this role offers a dynamic, enthusiastic team embedded in the thriving Faculty of Health and Life Sciences community at the University of Bristol.
Responsibilities You will investigate how cell biology is patterned within the renal system, and why disruption of this cellular coordination could be a key driver of disease. You will predominantly use Drosophila for unparalleled opportunities to probe dynamic cell biology of whole tissues and organisms in vivo. A focus of this work will be on cellular metabolism and stress responses, which our group has discovered are key to renal function in homeostasis and following challenge.
Qualifications • Highly motivated with a track record commensurate to career stage. • PhD in a relevant subject area, or close to completion. • Prior expertise in cell and/or developmental biology. • Previous experience working with Drosophila models is favoured but not essential.
Contract Details
Contract type: Open-ended, with fixed funding for 3 years
Work pattern: Full-time
Grade: I
Salary: £39,906 – £44,746 per annum
School/Unit: School of Biochemistry and Cellular & Molecular Medicine
Position available from February 2026 (start date negotiable)
Advert will close 23:59 UK time on Sunday 25th January 2026
Application and Contact For informal enquiries please contact Dr Helen Weavers, Associate Professor in Cell and Developmental Biology at helen.weavers@bristol.ac.uk. Applications should include a CV and a brief statement outlining key areas of expertise and reasons why you would like to join our group.
Equality and Diversity The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people – because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.
Additional Documents
ACAD108410 - Research Associate - Job description.pdf
Further Particulars_Faculty of Health & Life Sciences.pdf
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Overview The Weavers group seeks to understand the cellular mechanisms that enable diverse tissues (including the skin and renal systems) to thrive under challenging conditions. Harnessing powerful in vivo models, our work spans multiple biological scales – linking the molecular cell biology of individual cells to the health of whole tissues and organisms. Our ultimate goal is to identify ways to improve life‑long tissue health and recovery.
In this position, you will investigate how cell biology is patterned within the renal system, probing why this patterning is fundamental for organ function and how its dysregulation drives disease. Recent findings in our team (e.g., Holcombe & Weavers Nature Communications 2023) form the basis for this work. You will employ an integrated, interdisciplinary approach that combines in vivo studies in Drosophila – with state‑of‑the‑art live‑imaging, genetics, molecular cell biology, single‑cell/spatial ‘omics – as well as innovative technologies and collaborative work on mammalian tissue biology and human organ transplantation.
Supported by the Wellcome Trust, this role offers a dynamic, enthusiastic team embedded in the thriving Faculty of Health and Life Sciences community at the University of Bristol.
Responsibilities You will investigate how cell biology is patterned within the renal system, and why disruption of this cellular coordination could be a key driver of disease. You will predominantly use Drosophila for unparalleled opportunities to probe dynamic cell biology of whole tissues and organisms in vivo. A focus of this work will be on cellular metabolism and stress responses, which our group has discovered are key to renal function in homeostasis and following challenge.
Qualifications • Highly motivated with a track record commensurate to career stage. • PhD in a relevant subject area, or close to completion. • Prior expertise in cell and/or developmental biology. • Previous experience working with Drosophila models is favoured but not essential.
Contract Details
Contract type: Open-ended, with fixed funding for 3 years
Work pattern: Full-time
Grade: I
Salary: £39,906 – £44,746 per annum
School/Unit: School of Biochemistry and Cellular & Molecular Medicine
Position available from February 2026 (start date negotiable)
Advert will close 23:59 UK time on Sunday 25th January 2026
Application and Contact For informal enquiries please contact Dr Helen Weavers, Associate Professor in Cell and Developmental Biology at helen.weavers@bristol.ac.uk. Applications should include a CV and a brief statement outlining key areas of expertise and reasons why you would like to join our group.
Equality and Diversity The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people – because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.
Additional Documents
ACAD108410 - Research Associate - Job description.pdf
Further Particulars_Faculty of Health & Life Sciences.pdf
#J-18808-Ljbffr