Postdoctoral Research Associate

The post

We wish to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join Dr Chloe Rackham’s research team, to focus on understanding the pancreas niche and therapeutic potential of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) prevention and treatment. This position is funded through a Medical Research Council collaborative research project (Dr Chloe Rackham (principal investigator), co-investigators: Prof Sarah Richardson and Dr Martin Eichmann) and is available from 1st April 2026 to 31st March 2029.

Ideally, you will have experience in primary MSC/PSC and/or islet culture and downstream assays, molecular biology and flow cytometry. The studies conducted for this project will use primary isolated human islets and human pancreatic MSCs and PSCs. Experience in RNA-seq analysis, bioinformatics and imaging is also advantageous. You will be one of two post-doctoral researchers working on this MRC-Funded Project. One researcher is already working in the research team of Dr Chloe Rackham and together within the wider Islet Biology at Exeter (IBEx) team, you will be advancing this research field to help inform human pancreatic stromal cell-based strategies to support the survival and long‑term function of endogenous pancreatic islets and transplanted islet cells.

You will join the expanding Diabetes discipline within the Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Exeter. The position is based at the recently purpose‑built laboratories within the RILD building, University of Exeter (EX2 5DW
), a £27 million joint venture between the University of Exeter and the Royal Devon University Hospital, specifically designed to accelerate translation of scientific discoveries to improve human health.

This position suits someone who is highly collaborative and possesses excellent communication and time‑management skills.

The selection process will include competency‑based questions, a presentation of your recent research and motivations for applying, and a panel interview.

The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD (or nearing completion) or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes. Applicants will be able to undertake research focused on primary MSC/PSC and human islet co‑culture assays. Experience in type 1 diabetes research and/or MSC or PSC research will therefore be of benefit.

Experience in some of the following techniques: RNA isolation, RT‑qPCR, flow cytometry, RNA‑seq analysis, bioinformatics and imaging is also essential.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

For further information please contact Dr Chloe Rackham,

The starting salary will be from £34,610 up to £36,636 on Grade E, depending on qualifications and experience.

The closing date for completed applications is 26th January 2026. Interviews are expected to take place on Wednesday 18th February and/or Friday 20th February 2026.