Research Associate in CRISPR-based Genetic Screening and Ubiquitin Signalling

Job reference: BMH-032738

Salary: £38,448 - £46,970 per annum depending on experience

Faculty/Organisational Unit: Biology, Medicine Health

Location: Oxford Road

Employment type: Fixed Term

Division/Team: Division of Molecular and Cellular Function

Hours Per Week: Full time (1 FTE)

Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY): 13/11/2026

Contract Duration: Fixed term for 36 months

School/Directorate: School of Biological Sciences

We are seeking a Research Associate to join the Kulathu laboratory to establish, optimise and apply CRISPR-based genetic screening in human cells to discover novel components of quality control pathways regulated by ubiquitin signalling. You will work closely with Dr. Richard Timms’ laboratory and collaborate on mechanistic follow-up studies. This full-time post is fixed term for 36 months.

You will be responsible for:

• Responsibility for establishing and performing human cell CRISPR screening, optimizing screen conditions, setting up new methods, validating hits and defining mechanisms, and documenting workflows and training colleagues.
• Conduct individual and collaborative research projects.
• Prepare research work for publication and dissemination.
• Collaborate with academic colleagues on areas of shared research interest.

We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.

About you

We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:

Essential criteria:

• Have, or be about to obtain, a relevant PhD (or equivalent)
• At least one first author publication or preprint posted on BiorXiv or MedrXiv
• Specialist knowledge in the discipline including human cell genetics, CRISPR-based functional genomics and the principles of genetic screens, with an interest in ubiquitin biology, cellular quality control or stress responses.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Desirable criteria:

• Previous experience establishing, optimising and analysing genetic screens is strongly desirable.

We value transferable skills and real-world experience as much as formal qualifications.

Our benefits include:

• Generous employer contribution pension
• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
• Ride to work and EV car scheme available

For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here.

We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy.

Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews

Name: Yogesh Kulathu

Email Address: yogesh.kulathu@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries and administrative support: recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk

Technical and job portal support: jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.

£38,448 to £46,970 per annum depending on experience