Postdoctoral position at the interface of mechanics, metabolism and tissue dynamics – Hungry Tissue Lab, Manchester

How do cells balance the forces they generate with the energy and building blocks needed to grow, move and organise? Mechanics and metabolism are usually studied separately, but their interaction may be fundamental to how cells behave within tissues.

We are looking for a curious and collaborative postdoctoral researcher to join the Hungry Tissue Lab at The University of Manchester. This MRC-funded project will investigate how changing physical and metabolic environments shape cell behaviour and tissue organisation.

You will build experimental systems combining tunable hydrogels and fluidics with live imaging of mammary epithelial tissues. Using live-cell biosensors, single-cell tracking and quantitative image analysis, you will follow how cells’ mechanical and metabolic states change over time. You will work with computational researchers to identify the underlying rules and develop your own ideas within the broader aims of the programme.

Applicants should have, or be close to completing, a PhD in cell biology, developmental biology, mechanobiology, biophysics or a related discipline. Experience in live-cell or live-tissue imaging and quantitative image analysis is essential. Experience with biomaterials, hydrogels, microfluidics, mammalian epithelial models, metabolism or bespoke image-analysis workflows would be valuable, but we do not expect applicants to arrive with every technique.

You will also help us build a lab culture that is open, bold, supportive and fun.

For more information about the lab, visit www.hungrytissuelab.com.

Informal enquiries are welcome: john-robert.davis@manchester.ac.uk

Please note that this position is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK.