Research Associate (Study the Molecular Basis of Coeliac Disease)

We are recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to take up a position within the Swamy group in the University of Manchester, to study potential new therapeutic targets for treating Coeliac disease. This is a fixed-term appointment for 1 year 7 months starting in September 2026.

This is an exciting opportunity to be at the interface of clinical and basic research, and to collaborate with Dr. Hugo Penny and Prof. David Sanders at the National Centre for Refractory Coeliac Disease in Sheffield. The project will primarily involve studying human intestinal lymphocytes obtained from patient samples, and investigating the effects of different immunomodulators in controlling or exacerbating disease states. Patient samples will be obtained and processed in Sheffield, therefore the successful candidate must be willing to travel to and from Sheffield.

The candidate will have experience in, or receive training in cutting-edge proteomics methods, and will have experience in analysing big data. A keen interest in deciphering the signalling pathways that allow autoimmune activation of T cells in Coeliac disease is a must.

The successful candidate will have the chance to be involved in ground-breaking research that has high translational potential. There will be opportunities to present the research in national and international meetings and to publish the research findings. In addition, public engagement and patient involvement will form a key part of this position.

There will also be opportunities to develop the research further with industrial partners, clinicians and other researchers. The successful candidate will be trained in cutting-edge proteomic technologies, human immunology, -omics analyses, spectral flow cytometry, and other state-of-the-art techniques.

This is a unique opportunity to identify disease-relevant mechanisms using primary patient samples, and cutting-edge techniques, in a world-class research-intensive setting.

Your priorities will include:

• Strong interest in studying disease mechanisms of Coeliac disease
• Must be willing to travel to Sheffield monthly
• Confidence in project implementation, decision-making, coordinating collaborative research
• Must be willing to work in a team and assist with training of PhD students and other lab members
• Keen interest in presenting scientific work at both national and international meetings, as well as to the public, and to talk to patients

We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.

Who we’re looking for:

The successful candidate will:

• Have a PhD in Immunology, clinical research, or similar with strong academic record, and at least one publication/preprint demonstrating research output
• Have a strong interest in understanding the molecular basis of Coeliac disease
• Have a strong background in immunology, inflammatory bowel diseases, and mass spectrometry
• Have established skills with primary cell cultures and proteomics or other -omics analyses
• Have a strong ability to work independently but with the communication skills and openness to work in a team, and the willingness to foster an open and collaborative approach to science
• Have excellent communication skills and knowledge of the English language

We value transferable skills and real-world experience as much as formal qualifications.

Our benefits include:

• Generous employer contribution pension
• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
• Ride to work and EV car scheme available

For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits . You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here .

We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy .

Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews

Name: Mahima Swamy

Email Address: View email address on jobs.manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries and administrative support

View email address on jobs.manchester.ac.uk

Technical and job portal support

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.

Further particulars (with person specification) linked below.