Research Fellow in Biophysics of Morphogenesis
Requirements
Applicants must have expertise in experimental biophysics, organoid systems, or quantitative biology and be proficient in cell culture and light microscopy. A PhD is required, though candidates near submission may be considered for a Research Assistant role.
Job Description
Job Title: Research Fellow in Biophysics of Morphogenesis
Reference: 597
Department: WMS - Biomedical Sciences
Contract Type: Fixed-term contract
Fixed Term End Date: 27 February 2032
Hours: Full-time (1.0 FTE)
Closing Date: Monday 14 December 2026, 11:59pm (UK)
Full time Salary Range: £36,320.00 - £46,970.00 per annum
About the Role
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.
Please note this is an on-campus based role due to the nature of the work, therefore we cannot accommodate any work from home. Any requests for further information about the role can be directed to Professor Timothy Saunders Timothy.Saunders@warwick.ac.uk
For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description (link here).
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.
About the Department
Warwick Medical School is one of the UK's leading medical schools, with a reputation for excellence in research and teaching.
WMS has a diverse portfolio of undergraduate, postgraduate and research education, alongside continuing professional development across the healthcare sector. This role provides an opportunity to contribute directly to the development of our education provision and other priority projects across the School.
We employ high calibre people in many fields, including academics, teaching and research staff, administrative staff, and professional support staff. We welcome staff and students from all of the world with diverse backgrounds and experience. One of our key teaching strengths is the number of academics we have still working in their chosen clinical speciality alongside their teaching commitments. This ensures that they bring up to date knowledge and experience as well as first rate teaching experience. Our research is excellent due to the calibre of our researchers working across the fields of biomedical sciences, health sciences and clinical trials. The university's rich research environment and our regional, national and international partnerships enable us to carry out ground breaking, impactful work.
How to Apply
To apply please complete your essential personal details and attach a CV and cover letter by the closing date stated.
We will review applications throughout the advertising period and may contact shortlisted candidates before the closing date. We therefore encourage interested applicants to submit their application as early as possible. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a sufficient number of suitable applications.
Please ensure your CV includes your most recent employment experience along with any additional relevant experience and education history.
Your cover letter should detail your motivation for applying for the role as well as detailing how you meet the essential and desirable criteria.
The interviews will be held on a date to be confirmed.
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We will provide you with a great range of benefits, which include 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. We offer a generous maternity/paternity/adoption/parental leave policy, and onsite childcare facilities.
We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer you access to flexible working, for more information click here.
We are proud to say that we are a Living Wage employer.
If you are considering relocating to the UK, read our Relocation Guide to find out more about what Warwick has to offer and what might be involved in the process.
Warwick is committed to building an organisation of mutual respect and dignity, promoting a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive working and learning environment. We recognise that everyone is different in a variety of visible and non-visible ways, and that those differences are to be recognised, respected, and valued. Where possible, we go beyond legislation to provide a place where everyone can thrive, supporting all staff to achieve their full potential. We aspire to remove economic, social, and cultural barriers that may otherwise prevent people from succeeding.
We therefore welcome and encourage applications from all communities regardless of culture, background, age, disability, sex/gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion/belief, or sexual or romantic orientation. To find out more about our social inclusion work at Warwick visit our webpages here.
The University currently holds a Race Equality Charter Bronze Award, Athena Swan Sliver Award and a Disability Smart Bronze Award. Further information on all of the University's Awards and Accreditations can be found here. The University of Warwick is also one of the six founder institutions of the EUTOPIA European University Alliance.
Right to Work
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