Research Associate in epigenetic regulation of lung fibrosis

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Application deadline 4th March 2026

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21123BR

Cardiff School of Biosciences 

Research 

Advert

Research Associate
School Division of Biomedicine,
School of Biosciences,
Cardiff University

We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated and passionate Research Associate to join our team as part of the UKRI-funded Future Leader Fellowship project investigating epigenetic regulation of lung fibrosis led by Dr Renata Jurkowska at the School of Biosciences, Cardiff University.

You will work closely with a PhD student and a computational biologist and play a key role in advancing our research efforts, with a primary focus on the development of low-input epigenomic profiling technologies to investigate epigenetic regulation in the context of fibrotic lung diseases. Specifically, you will employ an unbiased profiling approach to obtain global epigenetic and transcriptional maps of purified cells from healthy and fibrotic lungs across disease stages and identify changes associated with disease development and progression. You will then dissect the regulatory role of identified epigenetic changes and selected epigenetic regulators to key disease processes using cellular models and patient samples.

The ideal candidate may hold a PhD degree and have experience in a related subject area (e.g. epigenetics, chronic lung diseases, lung biology) and possess strong experimental skills. Preference will be given to candidates with rich experience in human tissue processing, primary cell culture, and genetic manipulation, and next-generation sequencing. Nevertheless, we are open to different types of profiles, including those from the industry.

This position is full-time (35 hours per week), and fixed-term for 14 months. 

Secondment opportunity welcome - please note for Cardiff University members of staff interested in this post on a secondment basis, permission will need to be sought from your current Line Manager before applying.

Salary: £41,064 - £46,049 per annum (Grade 6). Appointments to roles at Cardiff University are usually made at bottom of scale unless in exceptional circumstances.

Cardiff University offers many excellent benefits, including 45 days annual leave (incl. bank holidays), local pension scheme, a cycle to work scheme and other travel initiatives, annual increments within the pay scale, and more. It's an exciting and vibrant place to work with many different challenges and is a proud Living Wage supporter.

Date advert posted: Tuesday, 10 February 2026

Closing date: Wednesday, 4 March 2026

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds.  We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age.  In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at:  Responsible research assessment - Research - Cardiff University

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

Job Description

Main function

To conduct research within Epigenetics of Chronic Lung Diseases and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.

Research

• To conduct research within Epigenetics of Chronic Lung Diseases and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students. 

• To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals

• To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required

• To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting

• To prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate

• To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field

• To participate in School research activities.

• To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions,   explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects

Specific to the role:  

• develop and apply epigenomic profiling technologies to investigate epigenetic regulation in the context of fibrotic lung diseases

• develop and apply cell isolation protocols for epithelial and mesenchymal lung cells

• develop multiplex-immunofluorescence validation approaches for lung tissue

Other

• To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally  to raise awareness of the School’s profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile.

• To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.

• To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world

• Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

 

Person Specification

IMPORTANT NOTE: When submitting your supporting statement, you must provide evidence as to how you meet each of the essential (and desirable if applicable) criteria below. We suggest that you do so by using each of the criteria as sub-headings, providing written evidence of your relevant skills underneath. Before uploading this attachment, please ensure that you include ****BR within the filename.

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Education

1. Postgraduate degree at PhD level in a related subject area (e.g. epigenetics, chronic lung diseases, lung biology)

 or equivalent or relevant industrial experience

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

1. An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within the following research fields:

   1. 1. Mechanisms of epigenetic regulation and/or

      2. Using next-generation sequencing (-omics) approaches in diseases

2. Evidenced experience in the majority of the following techniques:

i. Tissue processing and primary cell isolation using FACS or similar
ii. Working with primary patient-derived lung cells or organoids, or similar
iii Genetic manipulation of primary cells and cell lines, e.g. CRISPR, viral targeting, or similar approaches
iv Tissue Immunofluorescence, Immunohistochemistry, RNA scope
 

1. Knowledge of current status of research in specialist field (e.g., epigenetics, lung biology, chronic lung diseases)

2. Proven ability to publish in international journals, international conferences and other research outputs

3. Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies

Communication and Team Working

1. Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication

2. Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals

Other

1. Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work

2. Proven ability to work without close supervision

Desirable Criteria

1. Evidence of collaborations with industry.

2.  Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community.

3. Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the School.

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Apply online

 

 

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