Darius Widera

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.

The University of Reading's School of Pharmacy is offering a full-time, 24-month postdoctoral fellowship focused on developing stem cell extracellular vesicle (MSC-EV) therapies for neuropathic pain, particularly chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). The successful candidate will join the international RESOLVE consortium, collaborating with Dr. Maria Maiarù, Prof. Darius Widera, and Dr. Graeme Cottrell. The research sits at the interface of immunology and neuroscience, aiming to mitigate chronic pain through mechanistic and translational approaches. Key responsibilities include in vitro characterization of inflammatory signaling (NF-κB) in human and murine cells, potency screening of extracellular vesicles, and preparation of samples for transcriptomic and proteomic analyses. The role also involves in vivo work with murine models, including chemotherapy dosing and behavioral pain assessments (von Frey, thermal, and functional tests). The project integrates cellular, molecular, and behavioral data to elucidate the mechanisms of MSC-EVs in neuropathic pain. Applicants should hold a PhD (or have submitted their thesis) in cellular/molecular biology, immunology, neurobiology, pharmacology, or related biomedical sciences. Essential skills include mammalian cell culture, proficiency in at least two of the following: flow cytometry, western blotting, qRT-PCR, or related assays, and hands-on experience with in vivo rodent models, ideally in pain or neurological research. Candidates must have or be willing to obtain a UK Personal Licence (PIL) for animal research. Strong organizational and communication skills, independence, and the ability to work in a multidisciplinary team are required. The position offers a salary of £36,636 per annum and is open to international candidates, with visa sponsorship available under the Skilled Worker route for those meeting UK immigration requirements. The University of Reading is committed to diversity, inclusion, and professional development, offering opportunities for supervision, publication, and collaboration with leading European research groups. The application deadline is March 8, 2026. For more information or informal inquiries, contact Dr. Maria Maiarù ([email protected]) or Prof. Darius Widera ([email protected]). Official application details are available at the University of Reading job portal.