Postdoctoral Researcher in Protein Production

Role Description

Biology Department

The Department of Biology is recognised as one of the leading and most accomplished departments at York, with a global reputation for excellence in both teaching and research. We are committed to fostering a supportive environment where staff and students can thrive, contribute their best, and achieve their full potential. We take great pride in holding the Athena Swan Gold Award.

We are looking for a talented and motivated full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the group of Professor Ian Hitchcock  based in the Department of Biology at the University of York. The Hitchcock lab focuses on understanding the mechanisms that regulate normal haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) maintenance and how this is altered in haematological malignancies. The Hitchcock lab, working in collaboration with Professor David  Kent, takes a multi-disciplinary team science approach to understand the dynamics of HSC clonal expansion (Nature 2018, Nature, 2022) characterise and modify the mechanisms of cytokine receptor activation (Science 2020, PNAS, 2021, Cell, 2023) and determine mechanisms responsible for the development of haematological disorders (NEJM, 2015, Blood 2018, Science 2020) and to improve HSC ex vivo expansion (Cell, 2023).

Role

The successful candidate will work on a recently funded MRC project taking a multifaceted approach to generate, purify and functionally characterise modified thrombopoietin (TPO) with the overriding aim to improve HSC ex vivo expansion. 

The successful candidate will benefit from a highly collaborative programme with academic and clinical interactions  in the U.K. and Europe including; Prof. Gavin Wright (York, UK), Prof. Jacob Piehler (Osnabrück, Germany) and Prof. Chris Garcia (Stanford, USA). The post holder will also benefit from a multidisciplinary environment locally at the Centre for Blood Research. 

You will already possess or will soon be awarded a PhD in biology, biochemistry or a related subject. You will have experience in generating purified proteins for functional characterization, with particular experience in receptor ligands and/or cytokines.  A range of protein production and biophysical techniques will be required, including; cell line culture, molecular cloning, transfection protein generation, purification and biophysical characterization. You will need to be able to work independently as well as part of the programme team working on related projects. Excellent communication skills are essential and you should be keen to develop project/team leadership skills. The post holder will be expected to drive their independent projects, but also work closely with each other and with other lab members and assist in the identification and development of potential areas of research and the development of proposals. The post holder will be expected to write up research results for dissemination through publications, seminar and conference presentations and will be encouraged to participate in public engagement and science outreach activities. Opportunities for mentorship and additional collaborations will be available and encouraged.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

You must have a PhD in Biology, Biochemistry or a related subject, or equivalent experience. You should have knowledge of protein production, purification and biophysical characterization. Experience in generating receptor ligands, especially cytokines or growth factors would be highly desirable. Experience in functional characterization, including cellular growth assays, signaling and flow cytometry would be beneficial. 

Interview date: End of January 2026

For informal enquiries: please contact Professor Ian Hitchcock on ian.hitchcock@york.ac.uk

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive  – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. 

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork