Postdoctoral Research Assistant - MRC PPU - UOD1555

We are recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to take up a position within the Swamy group in the University of Dundee, to study potential new therapeutic targets for treating Coeliac disease. This is a fixed-term appointment for 3 years starting August/September 2024.

This is an exciting opportunity to be at the interface of clinical and basic research, and to collaborate with Dr. Hugo Penny and Prof. David Sanders at the National Centre for Refractory Coeliac Disease in Sheffield. The project will primarily involve studying human intestinal lymphocytes obtained from patient samples, and investigating the effects of different immunomodulators in controlling or exacerbating disease states. Patient samples will be obtained in Sheffield, therefore the successful candidate must be willing to travel to and from Sheffield. The candidate will have experience in, or receive training in cutting-edge proteomics methods, and will have experience in analysing big data. A keen interest in deciphering the signalling pathways that allow autoimmune activation of T cells in Coeliac disease is a must.

The successful candidate will have the chance to be involved in ground-breaking research that has high translational potential. There will be opportunities to present the research in national and international meetings and to publish the research findings. In addition, public engagement and patient involvement will form a key part of this position. There will also be opportunities to develop the research further with industrial partners, clinicians and other researchers. The successful candidate will be trained in cutting-edge proteomic technologies, human immunology, -omics analyses, spectral flow cytometry, and other state-of-the-art techniques. This is a unique opportunity to identify disease-relevant mechanisms using primary patient samples, and cutting-edge techniques, in a world-class research-intensive setting.

Your priorities will include:

• Strong interest in studying disease mechanisms of Coeliac disease
• Must be willing to travel to Sheffield up to 8 times a year

• Confidence in project implementation, decision-making, coordinating collaborative research
• Must be willing to work in a team and assist with training of PhD students and other lab members.
• Keen interest in presenting scientific work at both national and international meetings, as well as to the public, and to talk to patients

Who we’re looking for:

The successful candidate will:

• Have a PhD in Immunology, clinical research, cell biology, or similar with strong academic record, and at least one publication/preprint demonstrating research output.
• Have a strong interest in understanding the molecular basis of Coeliac disease.
• Have a strong background in immunology, gastroenterology, cell biology and/or mass spectrometry.
• Have established skills with primary cell cultures and/or proteomics or other -omics analyses.
• Have a strong ability to work independently but with the communication skills and openness to work in a team, and the willingness to foster an open and collaborative approach to science.
• Have excellent communication skills and knowledge of the English language.

The diversity of our staff and students helps to make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for undergraduate, postgraduate and distance learning. Family friendly policies, staff networks for BME, Disabled and LGBT staff, membership of Athena SWAN, the ECU Race Equality Charter and Stonewall as well a full range of disability services, create an enjoyable and inclusive place to work.

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