[Starting salary from £33,951 (Grade E), with UK home/international PhD fees and research costs fully funded for the duration of the project.] The University of Exeter is seeking a Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) to join the Yang lab at the Living Systems Institute and Exeter Centre of Excellence for Diabetes Research. This Wellcome-funded, full-time position is available from 1st September 2026 for four years and offers the unique opportunity to undertake a PhD during the appointment, with full funding for tuition fees and research costs. The research focuses on the intricate crosstalk between the nervous system and the endocrine pancreas, specifically how neural signalling influences glucose homeostasis in both healthy and disease states.

The successful candidate will lead projects investigating the dynamics of neural signalling within the endocrine pancreas, exploring how these processes are altered in disease and affect hormone release. The role involves conducting experiments with live zebrafish, utilizing advanced techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, molecular biology, whole-mount staining, in vivo microscopy, 4D image analysis, FACS, and both bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing. Bioinformatic analysis is also a key component of the research. The GRA will work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including the principal investigator, postdocs, graduate students, and collaborative partners, and will have opportunities to present findings at international conferences.

The Living Systems Institute provides a supportive environment with access to state-of-the-art research facilities, fostering professional development and skill acquisition. Applicants should have a first degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field, with demonstrated expertise in bioinformatics and at least two of the following: zebrafish handling, CRISPR/Cas9, molecular biology, confocal imaging, flow cytometry, or RNA sequencing.

Strong communication skills and the ability to present research outcomes are essential. The position is ideal for candidates interested in pursuing a PhD in a multidisciplinary, cutting-edge research environment. For more information, applicants are encouraged to contact Dr. Yu Hsuan Carol Yang.

The application deadline is 19 November 2025, with interviews expected two weeks later.