Research Associate in the Department of Randall Cell & Molecular Biophysics

Job id: 081905. Salary: £43,205 – £45,521 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance.

Posted: 05 January 2024. Closing date: 22 January 2024.

Business unit: Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine. Department: Randall Cell & Molecular Biophysics.

Contact details:Professor Maddy Parsons. [email protected]

Location: . Category: Research.

Job description

This is an exciting opportunity to join a team of multi-disciplinary scientists and help understand how lung epithelial cells influence responses to inflammatory insults. The project will evaluate a key receptor we have identified as a mediator of lung epithelial monolayer integrity in response to allergic insult. The study will use a range of cell biology, microscopy, molecular biology, and biochemical approaches to identify the potential of this receptor as a therapeutic target for treatment of lung inflammatory disease. World-class facilities and training are provided, within a dynamic, vibrant and inclusive research environment, with opportunities to engage with industry collaborators to drive translation of findings to a clinical setting.  

This post will be offered on a full-time, fixed term contract for 12 months.

Key responsibilities

• Analyzing roles for target receptor in lung epithelial cell homeostasis and response to inflammatory cues using cell biology assays  
• Optimise and refine assays to understand therapeutic potential of target receptor 
• Working both independently and as part of an inter-disciplinary team, and with industry partners 
• Delivering presentations 
• Writing papers and supervising other team members 

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.  

Skills, knowledge, and experience

Essential criteria  

1.       BSc and PhD in relevant subject area 

2.       Background in epithelial/cancer cell biology, receptor signaling and/or tissue biology 

3.       Prior experience in human cell culture, biochemistry, molecular biology and tissue handling 

4.       Prior experience in fluorescence microscopy and image analysis 

5.       Experience working in multidisciplinary, collaborative team environments  

6.       Strong communication skills 

7.       Ability to write scientific documents and papers 

8.       Strong presentation skills 

Desirable criteria

1.       Background in respiratory biology  

2.       Experience working with industry 

Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6. 

The selection process will involve a panel interview and a presentation. Provisional interview date is 30th January 2024.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.