Job overview
We are looking for an energetic and enthusiastic post-doctoral researcher to work in the thymus transplantation research programme at Great Ormond Street Hospital and UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health. We are one of only two centres in the world treating children with thymus transplantation and the successful applicant will be part of a growing team focused on exciting translational research, with the ultimate aim of improving the outcomes for children with congenital athymia.
Based in central London, GOSH offers flexible working, help with childcare and travel, excellent training and development opportunities and assistance with finding somewhere to live.
For further information please contact Prof Graham Davies, Consultant Immunologist at, or Dr Austen Worth, Consultant Immunologist at
Main duties of the job
As the research fellow you will be working closely with the Thymus Transplantation team and taking a major role in the programme of work involving the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells and thymic epithelial precursors from patients’ fibroblasts as a means of investigating novel defects of thymic epithelial cell development, as well as the use of thymic organoid cultures for further disease modelling. There will be opportunity for the postholder to develop their own project within the overall umbrella of this work. You will undertake some supervision of more junior research staff involved in the manipulation of preparatory thymus culture conditions and assist in the running and organisation of the research laboratories.
The Thymus Transplantation team work alongside internationally recognised academics delivering cutting-edge translational research. There is a vibrant academic environment and post-holder will be participating in group and departmental meetings.
This opportunity is open to candidates with PhD in a relevant field (Cellular and/or Molecular Biology) with laboratory experience in culture and manipulation of cell lines and using molecular biological techniques.
Working for our organisation
GOSH is committed to recruiting the best person for the job, based solely on their ability and individual merit as measured against the criteria for the role; through a process that is fair, open, consistent and free from bias and discrimination.
We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and foster a culture where all staff are valued, respected and acknowledged. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, disability status or length of time spent unemployed.
We particularly welcome applications from BAME communities, people with disabilities and/or long-term health conditions and LGBT+ community members.
We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants and employees are treated fairly and consistently. We are proud to be accredited as a Disability Confident Employer, a member of Business Disability Forum and a Stonewall Diversity Champion.
We have active and Executive supported BAME, LGBT+ and Allies, Disability and Long-Term Health Conditions and Women’s staff networks. Staff networks are employee-led groups formed around interests, issues and a common bond or background. Staff network members create a positive and inclusive work environment at Great Ormond Street Hospital by actively contributing to the Trust’s mission, values and efforts specific to inclusion. All of our staff networks are open to any employee.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience, and knowledge required. For both documents please view the attachment/s below.
Person specification
GOSH Culture and Values
Essential criteria
- Our Always values
- Experience of working as part of a diverse team.
- Experience of contributing to an inclusive workplace culture.
- Commitment to a policy of equal opportunity and the ability to work harmoniously with colleagues and students of all cultures and backgrounds
Academic/Professional qualification/Training
Essential criteria
- PhD in a relevant field (Cellular and/or Molecular Biology)
Experience/Knowledge
Essential criteria
- Laboratory experience in culture and manipulation of cell lines
- Laboratory experience of using molecular biological techniques
- Experience in data/statistical analysis
Desirable criteria
- Experience of culture and manipulation of primary human cell cultures
- Experience in bioinformatics
Skills/Abilities
Essential criteria
- Effective spoken and written English and good communication and interpersonal skills
- Excellent organizational skills
- Commitment to high quality research and attention to detail
- Good IT skills
- Good team-worker
