Job Description

We are seeking a Scientist to lead experimental work in a translational research project focused on validating a therapeutic target for retinal disease. The Scientist will establish and characterise human iPSC-derived retinal models, develop robust assays to investigate target biology, and evaluate potential therapeutic interventions.

The role is suited to a scientist with experience in stem-cell differentiation, retinal or neural cell biology, disease modelling, or cell-based assay development who can independently plan experiments, guide junior researchers, and work closely with academic and industry collaborators.

Responsibilities

• Generate, maintain and characterise human iPSC-derived retinal cell models, including relevant 2D cultures and retinal organoids, using healthy donor and patient-derived lines.
• Design and execute studies to investigate therapeutic target expression, localisation and function under baseline and disease-relevant conditions.
• Develop and optimise quantitative cellular and molecular assays to assess disease phenotypes, target engagement and responses to candidate therapeutics.
• Independently analyse data, troubleshoot experiments, establish appropriate controls and reproducibility criteria, and recommend follow-up studies.
• Coordinate experimental activities and project timelines; supervise, train and mentor junior research staff to support timely delivery of milestones.
• Collaborate with the industry partner and multidisciplinary research teams, communicate findings at project meetings, and prepare reports, presentations and scientific publications.
• Maintain accurate experimental records, standardised protocols and research documentation; contribute to related retinal disease-modelling activities where appropriate.

Job Requirements

Essential

• PhD in Stem Cell Biology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Bioengineering or a related discipline.
• Hands-on experience in human iPSC culture and differentiation, or comparable complex mammalian cell models.
• Demonstrated ability to develop or optimise cell-based assays or differentiation protocols and independently design, execute and troubleshoot experiments.
• Experience with relevant molecular and cellular methods such as qPCR, immunostaining, microscopy, flow cytometry or related techniques.
• Ability to interpret quantitative data, coordinate research activities, guide junior staff and deliver against project milestones.
• Ability to communicate scientific findings clearly and work effectively with multidisciplinary and external collaborators.

Preferred

• Experience with retinal or neural differentiation including both 2D cultures and 3D organoids
• Experience in disease modelling, receptor signalling, pharmacology, target validation or compound screening.
• Experience with patient-derived or isogenic iPSC lines, genetic engineering, transcriptomics or industry-partnered research.