Research Fellow in Cell and Developmental Biology

Overview

The University of Southampton is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Research Fellow to join the Salah Elias laboratory within the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology. This position involves leading experimental research for a BBSRC-funded project that investigates mechanisms of mammary epithelial morphogenesis by using AI-integrated human organoid models and predictive cell fate mapping. The project combines patient-derived mammary organoids, high-resolution 3D and 4D imaging, single-cell transcriptomics, and artificial intelligence-driven analysis to uncover how polarized cell divisions coordinate luminogenesis with cell fate and differentiation. The appointment is offered on a three-year fixed-term basis.

Who can apply

Candidates must hold a PhD, or be close to completing one, in cell biology, developmental biology, stem cell biology, or a related discipline. Applicants are expected to have strong experimental experience in relevant areas such as organoid or mammalian cell culture, epithelial biology, high-resolution fluorescence microscopy, and molecular biology. Experience in advanced automated or semi-automated quantitative image analysis is considered particularly valuable, while an understanding of computational or mathematical modelling is advantageous.

What you get

The position provides a salary of £39,560 to £41,885 per annum. The appointee will join a collaborative and multidisciplinary research environment with access to state-of-the-art microscopy, flow-cytometry, and high-performance computing facilities, along with multidisciplinary training and career-development opportunities. Additional benefits include a generous holiday allowance, university closure days, access to the Universities Superannuation Scheme, subsidised health and fitness facilities, and staff discounts.

Requirements

The role requires the researcher to take a central role in the scientific development of the programme, including experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation. Responsibilities involve utilizing patient-derived human mammary organoids, gene loss-of-function approaches, high-resolution 3D and 4D fluorescence imaging, fate mapping, advanced quantitative analysis, and single-cell RNA sequencing. The appointee will work with computational researchers to integrate multimodal imaging and transcriptomic data into AI-driven models. Additional duties include contributing scientific ideas, supporting collaborative projects, helping develop grant proposals, preparing research for peer-reviewed publication, training colleagues in new methods, and advising on scientific protocols.

How to apply

Interested individuals may direct informal enquiries to Dr Salah Elias.

Key dates

The closing date for applications is December 9, 2026.