The University of Reading School of Pharmacy is offering a 24-month Postdoctoral Research Fellow position focused on stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) and neuropathic pain, as part of the NEURON JTC “RESOLVE” project. The successful candidate will work closely with Professors Darius Widera, Maria Maiarú, and Graeme Cottrell, engaging in cutting-edge research at the interface of stem cell biology, immunology, and pain neuroscience.

The research will involve the characterization of mesenchymal stem cell-derived EVs, NF-κB and inflammatory signalling assays in both human and murine cells, and the use of in vivo chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) pain models in mice, including behavioral testing. The project is highly translational, aiming to uncover mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies for neuropathic pain, and is conducted within an international consortium with collaborators such as Fabian Szepanowski, Bernd Giebel, and Augustas Pivoriunas.

The School of Pharmacy at the University of Reading provides a collaborative environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities and strong interdisciplinary links in pain research. The position is ideal for candidates with a strong experimental background in cell biology, molecular biology, or animal models, and with interests in stem cell biology, EVs, immunology, and neuroscience.

Applicants should hold a PhD in a relevant biomedical field and demonstrate experience with EV characterization, NF-κB/inflammatory signalling, and in vivo pain models. The position is fully funded for 24 months, with salary and research support provided by the NEURON JTC “RESOLVE” project. For more information and to apply, candidates should consult the official job advert and the University of Reading’s application portal.