Research Fellow in Biophysics of Morphogenesis

Applications are invited for a Research Fellow position in the Saunders lab to work on a BBSRC funded project titled: "From Genes to Form: Deciphering Molecular and Mechanical Interplay During Tissue Morphogenesis". This multi-team project, comprising labs at the Francis Crick Institute (Briscoe), UCL (Charras, Molodtsov), Edinburgh (Lowell) and Warwick (Saunders) will unravel how complex form emerges during development utilising a novel organoid system combined with biophysical perturbation and theory.

Understanding how genetic information encodes tissue architecture represents one of biology's grand challenges. Tissue shape emerges from feedback between gene expression, cell-generated forces, spatial constraints, and intercellular signalling. Our team will reveal fundamental principles linking genome to shape by analysing how gene regulation, signalling networks, mechanical forces, and tissue geometry integrate through multiscale feedback to generate reproducible architecture. Our aim is a predictive understanding through sustained integration of experimental embryology, precision mechanical measurements, synthetic control, and computational modelling.

The position will be principally based in the Saunders lab at Warwick. We will predominantly utilise live imaging and biophysical measurements of organoid systems. This work will be integrated with genetic studies and theoretical models to deepen our understanding of how complex form emerges in development.

This is an on-campus based role due to the nature of the work; remote working cannot be accommodated.

About You:

We are looking for someone with expertise in experimental biophysics and/or organoid systems. We also welcome applications from people with expertise in quantitative biology and imaging backgrounds. Applicants should be proficient in cell culture and light microscopy. You must have a high degree of independence so that you can carry out research tasks and realise outputs (including publications).

If you have not yet been awarded your PhD but are near submission or have recently submitted your PhD, any offers of employment will be made as Research Assistant at the top of level 5 within the University grade structure. Upon successful award of your PhD and evidence of this fact, you will be promoted to Research Fellow on the first point of the level 6 of the University grade structure, unless exceptional experience applies to warrant a higher salary.

Benefits:

An attractive pension scheme, a generous holiday allowance plus Christmas closure, excellent learning and development opportunities, and savings on a wide range of products and services. A generous maternity/paternity/adoption/parental leave policy, and onsite childcare facilities. Access to flexible working. The University is a Living Wage employer.