Postdoctoral Research Assistant

Department: Blizard Institute
Salary: £40,223 (Grade 4)
Reference: 1257
Location: Whitechapel
Date posted: 12 February 2024
Closing date: 11 March 2024

Further details and apply

Overview

About the Role

Applications are sought for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant to establish an in vitro 3D organotypic model of palmoplantar skin. Palmoplantar skin found on palms and soles is quite different to skin covering the rest of the human body and yet this specialised skin is relatively under-studied and the biological differences are not well understood. Through analysis of publicly available RNAseq data, key differences that define palmoplantar skin have been identified. This information will be used to characterize and assess an in vitro 3D organotypic model of palm skin.

This full-time position is funded by the patient advocacy charity Pachyonychia Congenita Project for 12 months to establish a suitable in vitro model for studying conditions, like pachyonychia congenita, that specifically affect palmoplantar skin.

The post will be based in the group of Dr Diana Blaydon in the Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research, Blizard Institute, within the Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London. The Blizard Institute is an outstanding research environment with excellent core facilities including microscopy, phenotypic screening and the Barts and The London Genome Centre.

About You

Applicants for this Postdoctoral Research Assistant post are expected to have a PhD with experience in cell and molecular biology and an interest in skin biology and development of in vitro models.

Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. Where required this may include entry clearance or continued leave to remain under the Points Based Immigration Scheme.

About the Institute

The Blizard Institute was established in 2003 and is one of six Institutes within the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, QMUL. The Institute comprises approximately 350 staff based in four academic Centres and one Public Engagement Centre and supports a combined total of c750 postgraduate research and taught students. The Institute aims to deliver excellence in all aspects of research, teaching and clinical service.

About Queen Mary

At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable.

Throughout our history, we’ve fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. And we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it’s simply ‘the right thing to do’ but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers.

We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.

Benefits

We offer competitive salaries, access to a generous pension scheme, 30 days’ leave per annum (pro-rata for part-time/fixed-term), a season ticket loan scheme and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, and campus facilities including an on-site nursery at the Mile End campus.

Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability. We are open to considering applications from candidates wishing to work flexibly.

Further details and apply