Research Associate in Immunology

The role

An enthusiastic and highly motivated Research Associate is required to add their expertise to a team investigating immunological mechanisms that promote T cell-mediated pathology in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs). We have identified cytokine mechanisms and altered cellular metabolism associated with pathogenic T helper cell populations that orchestrate tissue damage in inflammatory arthritis. The project will combine in vivo models of inflammatory arthritis and in vitro T cell assays to test key cytokine and metabolic mechanisms as determinants of T cell-mediated pathology. Pre-clinical studies will use mice deficient in key metabolic mediators to determine their role in inflammation and tissue damage. The Research Associate will work as part of a team of academics investigating immunological mechanisms that underpin IMIDs and their comorbidities, and collaborate with industry researchers with expertise in immunometabolism and T cell biology.

The post is funded for 2 years in the School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and is available from January 2025.

What will you be doing?

• Use in vitro CD4 T cell assays to test metabolic mechanisms that determine T cell pathogenic potential.
• Establish models of experimental inflammatory arthritis to determine the role of metabolic pathways in shaping effector T helper cell responses and immune-mediated pathology.
• Perform techniques to assess immune responses, including ELISA, flow cytometry and qPCR.
• Perform RNA-sequencing, proteomics and bioinformatic analysis of cultured and tissue-infiltrating CD4 T cells.
• Analyse, interpret data and discuss results routinely with the research team.
• Make a considerable intellectual contribution to the project and experimental design.
• Maintain a knowledge of the relevant scientific literature and advancements in the field.
• Dissemination of research - writing papers, presenting talks and posters at national/international meetings.
• Contribute to public and patient engagement activities.
• Team working, contributing to research student supervision and training.

You should apply if

You have a PhD in immunology (or be working towards one) and/or have significant research experience working in immunology and with experimental models of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases in mice. Strong candidates will have experience of research involving T cells, investigating immunometabolism, use of immunological techniques (e.g. ELISA, flow cytometry) and/or cutting-edge omics approaches (e.g., RNA-sequencing, proteomics). You should have a proven track record (commensurate with career stage) for conducting and disseminating research, evidenced by publications and presentations in respected journals and conferences, respectively.

Additional information

Contract type: Open-ended (fixed term funding for 2 years)

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 20/11/2024

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