"Postdoctoral Research Associate - Cardiometabolic Disease: Adipose Tissue Dysfunction, Hepatic Lipotoxicity, and Fibro-Inflammation (Fixed Term)"

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 December 2026 in the first instance.

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join Professor Antonio Vidal-Puig's team (TVPLab) at the MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and the Victor Phillip Heart and Lung Research Institute, Cambridge. This one-year funded position will play a key role in advancing our research on how obesity drives the development of fatty liver and other cardiometabolic diseases.

Role Overview:

The successful candidate will:

• Investigate the complex relationship between obesity, MASH and associated metabolic comorbidities, focusing on adipose tissue failure, and immune-mediated fibroinflammatory responses, identifying underlying mechanisms and developing innovative therapeutic approaches.
• Examine metabolic mechanisms mediating the crosstalk between metabolic organs, including adipose tissue, liver, pancreas and brown fat during the onset and worsening of the disease.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead one or more research projects, managing all aspects from experimental design to data generation, analysis, interpretation, and publication.
• Conduct in vivo phenotypic characterization of murine models and perform lab-based molecular research.
• Conduct in vitro phenotypic characterization of primary cultures of adipocytes and hepatocytes and perform lab-based molecular research.
• Present research findings internally and at national and international conferences, aiming for publication in high-impact journals.

Skills required for the role:

We are seeking an individual with a high level of competency in direct management and hands-on experience of in-vivo model characterisation gained through their employment or PhD programme.

Proficiency in standard molecular and cell biology techniques including, but not limited to: Mammalian cell culture, cell sorting, ex vivo and in vivo imaging

Experience in areas such as biomedical engineering, bulk or single-cell RNA-seq/lipidomics, or specialist metabolic in vivo phenotyping would be an advantage.

Strong IT, data management and organizational skills.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Effective communication skills with a scientific ethos, passion for problem-solving, and creative thinking.

Language proficiency will be considered an advantage for this position, given its close integration with our programmes in China and Spain.

Qualifications and experience:

• PhD (completed or pending viva) or equivalent qualification in Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• Valid UK Home Office Personal Licence (PIL A and B) for in vivo work.
• Previous experience in cardiometabolic research.

About TVPLab:

At TVPLab, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is heard and valued. We celebrate differences and are dedicated to mentoring and nurturing talent, offering personalized career development to help our team members reach their fullest potential. Join us to be part of a dynamic culture that encourages innovation, collaboration, and professional growth.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Applicants must have (or be close to obtaining) a PhD.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5, Point 38 £34,610) moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of your PhD award.

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

Closing date: 2nd December 2025

Interview date: Shortly after closing date

Please quote reference RG48004 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Apply online

Key information

Department/location
Department of Clinical Biochemistry

Salary
£37,694-£46,049

Reference
RG48004

Category
Research

Date published
19 November 2025

Closing date
2 December 2025