Research Fellow in Cellular and Tissue Biology

Full Time Fixed Term for 25 months

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Defining the mechanisms of mechano-integration in the growing limb 

Life Sciences building, University of Southampton

The Wann group is based in the Life Sciences Building in Southampton with strong local links within Southampton biological sciences cell biology communities, and, through IFLS, the faculties of Medicine and Engineering. The lab has a central interest in cell and tissue decision making, working on fundamental biological questions concerning mechanobiology, primary cilia, and tissue morphogenesis but also clinically-relevant projects related to MSK disease. The lab works closely, through collaborations, with the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Oxford and colleagues at Diamond Lightsource, Queen Mary University of London, the University of Bristol and Harvard Medical School. 

An exciting opportunity now presents itself for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join a mature BBSRC-funded project describing and mechanistically defining how mechanical forces shape the biology of the growing adolescent epiphysis. This project is a collaboration between Wann, Sansom & Vincent (KIR, Oxford) and Armstrong (Bristol) laboratories, bringing together pre-clinical models of MSK development, genetic in vivo models including lineage tracing, bulk, single cell and spatial transcriptomics and 3D in vitro models of stem cell and MSK mechanobiology biology. This role will concentrate on leading the exploration of cellular mechanisms in vitro, following up on in vivo and transcriptomic datasets developed by (and supported by) other members of the team.

The post-holder will possess expertise in one or more approaches related to cell and tissue culture and biology, cellular signalling, high-resolution imaging, MSK mechanobiology, stem cell biology and biomaterial synthesis. As required, time will be dedicated to learning new techniques to deliver the research and helping train more junior members of the laboratory. 

You will be motivated, educated to PhD level in a relevant subject area and, as this project is likely to have multiple avenues of further development opening in the future, have an ambition to contribute to further funding including fellowships. 

Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

The position is full-time and for 25 months in the first instance. The start date is flexible but the successful candidate is ideally expected to be in post by 1^st October 2024 at the latest.

For an informal discussion or to arrange a visit please contact: 

Dr Angus Wann (a.k.t.wann@soton.ac.uk)

As a founding signatory of the Athena SWAN charter, and holder of a silver award, we’re committed to improving equality. 

As well as additional benefits that will make your life easier, such as a generous holiday allowance and additional university closure days. We will help you find a good work-life balance with flexible, or even part-time, working hours. We will support your long-term future too, with access to the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS)*, subsidised health and fitness facilities and a range of discounts. 

Further details:

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applicants who support our mission of inclusivity.

Apply by 11.59 pm GMT on the closing date.

For assistance contact Recruitment on +44(0)2380 592750 or recruitment@soton.ac.uk quoting the job number.

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