Research Fellow

Type of Contract: Funding limited for 24 months

The University of Aberdeen is offering a unique opportunity for a Post Doctoral Research Assistant (PDRA) to undertake full-time research for the BBSRC funded project ‘Development of accurate diagnostic methods for Saprolegniosis for salmonid aquaculture’.  The PDRA will be funded for 2 years by a grant from BBSRC Sustainable aquaculture partnerships for innovation. The project is a collaboration between the University of Aberdeen and Vertebrate Antibodies Ltd and involves in kind support from five major Scottish aquaculture companies.

Previous work with our commercial partners undertook a thorough analysis of a total of 412 oomycete and fungal isolates that were successfully cultured and sequenced from 14 aquaculture sites in Scotland across a two-year sampling period. Analysis of the ITS region of S. parasitica showed five distinct phylotypes. One particular phylotype was the most common, most widely distributed phylotype and was responsible for most outbreaks. The current project builds on our recent findings with an aim to develop diagnostic tools that farmers can implement in decision making for the treatment of Saprolegnia outbreaks. The PDRA will perform bioinformatic analysis on several S. parasitica genomes from isolates from Scottish fish farms to identify unique genes, gene duplications and/or other unique differences that could aid in diagnostics.

The PDRA will undertake bioinformatic comparative analysis, develop a PCR diagnostics method and a lateral flow test. The PDRA will work with, be exposed to and trained in the cutting-edge technologies of Vertebrate Antibodies, specifically in the development of the nanobodies to the targets of interest, and the subsequent development of the ELISA-based and lateral flow device antigen diagnostic test by Vertebrate Antibodies.

Salary will be paid at the appropriate point on the Grade 6 scale, £37,099 - £39,347 per annum, pro rata.

Any appointment will be made subject to satisfactory references and probation period.

This role is based in the UK and as such the successful candidate will be required to live and work in the UK.

Prior to employment, the successful candidate must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK.  This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route under the UKVI immigration rules but is dependent on factors specific to the candidate and if tradeable points can be used under the rules.

Information on other visa options is available at https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa.

Please do not hesitate to contact Grant Rae, HR Adviser (e-mail: grant.rae@abdn.ac.uk) for further information.

Informal enquiries should be made to Professor Pieter van West, Chair Oomycete Biology (p.vanwest@abdn.ac.uk).

To apply online for this position visit www.abdn.ac.uk/jobs

Job Reference Number:  IMS287R

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 05 August 2024

The School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition embraces a diverse working environment and recognises the many benefits this can bring.  Applications from individuals from across all of the equality protected characteristics are encouraged.

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