Research Fellow in In Vitro Lung Models

FTE: 1.0fte (working 37 hours per week)

Duration of Contract: Fixed term for 12 months

Salary: UH7 £39,560pa to £46,970pa, by annual increments on achieving designated skills and experience

Annual Leave: 35 days plus standard public holidays and an additional 4 days, including the closure of the University between Christmas and New Year

Location: College Lane Campus, Hatfield

The School of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences is seeking a Research Fellow to work within the Centre for Research in Advanced Therapeutics & Drug Safety (CRATDS). The post supports a project developing human-relevant in vitro lung models to investigate neutrophil migration across respiratory epithelial barriers and responses to chemical and biological stimuli.

Main duties and responsibilities

The successful candidate will undertake research within the scope of the project, working collaboratively with colleagues.

The postholder will develop and validate human-relevant respiratory epithelial and immune-cell models and use them to study neutrophil migration, epithelial barrier function and inflammatory responses to chemical and biological stimuli. They will select appropriate cell-exposure and analytical methods for the research question. These may include liquid or aerosol exposure, microscopy, flow cytometry, high-content imaging and plate-based assays.

The postholder will plan and deliver experiments, analyse and interpret data, maintain accurate research records, monitor consumables and research risks, and report progress. They will contribute to publications, conference presentations, project meetings and funding applications; work with academic, technical and external partners; and support relevant teaching or student research projects where appropriate.

Skills and experience required

You will have experience working within a research team, with relevant experimental research experience in cell biology, respiratory biology, immunology, toxicology, pharmacology, biomedical science or a related discipline.

You will have practical experience of mammalian cell culture, including handling and maintaining human or mammalian cell lines, alongside knowledge of appropriate research methodologies, data integrity, reproducibility and safe laboratory practice. Experience of collaborative research with other HEIs or external partners is desirable, together with the ability to conduct effective literature searches using relevant databases and electronic resources. Good IT skills, including MS Office, and a methodical approach with strong attention to detail are essential.

Qualifications required

A degree or equivalent level 6 qualification, or a higher qualification, in a relevant discipline is essential. A PhD or equivalent level 8 qualification in a closely related discipline, or equivalent research experience, is also essential.

Please view the job description and person specification for a full list of the duties and essential criteria, click the 'Apply' button above. Please attach a personal statement showing clearly how your skills and experience match the Person Specification.

Internal applicants should apply through the employee self-service portal.

An appointment to this role may require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.

Please note, this post cannot be visa sponsored unless you can evidence a PhD / Doctorate.

Contact Details/Informal Enquiries: Associate Professor Laura Urbano, Principal Investigator, l.urbano@herts.ac.uk

Closing Date: 29 November 2026

Interview Date: TBC

£39,560 to £46,970 pa, by annual increments on achieving designated skills and experience, UH7