Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Full-Time at 35 hours per week 

Fixed-Term for 20 months with opportunity to extend (funding permitting)

The Opportunity:

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join our team working on microbial keratitis, as part of a UKRI Future Leader Fellowship funded research programme. We use an ecosystem approach spanning in vitro and ex vivo disease modelling, biomarker discovery through omics approaches from clinical samples, development and evaluation of novel and repurposed diagnostics and treatment strategies – targeting both the microbe and the host. We work across the bench to the clinic in our approaches.

The work will be conducted in close collaboration with the Aravind Eye Care System, India, the largest eye care system globally and there will be scope for research exchanges. 

About you: You will hold a PhD (or near completion) in a relevant biological or life sciences subject (such as microbiology, immunology, pharmacology). You will possess a strong drive for research, imagination and the ability to develop independent insights into the project. You must be organised, highly self-motivated and have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. You will need to manage your time effectively, be strongly proactive, knowledgeable and able to solve complex problems. Proven track record of independent manuscripts writing, maintaining good laboratory records and knowledge transfer to others is also essential. 

About us: We are a young research group with the ambition to improve microbial keratitis patient outcomes, based within the Institute for Regeneration and Repair at Edinburgh BioQuarter. Our primary focus is to foster great science and imagination, in an environment that is inclusive, inspirational (and fun). If successful, you will be supported to learn new skills, and to lead projects independently as well as to support our group. We encourage (and support) independent manuscript/grant writing, presentation of data in national/international conferences and attendance to courses that can help with scientific performance/personal development at all levels.

Your skills and attributes for success: 

• A PhD (or close to completion) and/or relevant experience as a postdoctoral researcher in immunology, microbiology, pharmacology or a closely allied discipline
• Recognised and substantial technical expertise in own scientific or technical specialism & demonstrated track record of knowledge and skill transfer to others
• Demonstrable experience in cellular biology including primary cell culture, microbiology (bacterial and/or fungal pathogens) and performing relevant assays to measure impact of drugs on the host and the pathogen
• Clearly demonstrated initiative, creativity and effective organisational skills
• An ability to thoroughly document and evaluate data, with a track record of writing papers as evidenced by publications or submitted manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals
• A thorough understanding of health & safety requirements pertinent to the range of pathogens, animal tissues and clinical samples handled within the infection laboratory
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly, orally and in writing

Advert information