Research Fellow (GPCR Signalling and Metabolic Disease)

Salary: As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 7, salary £41,421

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to January 2028

Role Summary

We have an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join our vibrant multidisciplinary research team in the Department of Metabolism and Systems Science (MSS) and Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE) of the University of Birmingham.

This post, funded by the UKRI-Medical Research Council (MRC) for up to 3 years, is to investigate the fundamental cellular and molecular mechanisms that control storage and release of fatty acids in adipocytes in the context of obesity-related metabolic disorders. This project builds on our preliminary results that free fatty acid receptors 2 and 4 (FFA2/4), members of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family, are located and function inside cells close to lipid droplets to sense locally released fatty acids and inhibit lipolysis.

Main Duties

Working as part of a multidisciplinary team and in collaboration with Professor Graeme Milligan, University of Glasgow, and Professor David Hodson, University of Oxford, you will utilise state-of-the-art cell signalling, pharmacology and advanced imaging techniques with innovative cell and mouse disease models to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and physiological relevance of this novel potential modality of ‘intracrine’ FFA2/4 signalling.

This is an opportunity for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Scientist to conduct basic research with potential for pre-clinical translation. The postholder will be responsible for clarifying the organisation of FFA2/4 signalling nanodomains associated with lipid droplets using cell signalling and advanced microscopy (super-resolution, CLEM, etc.) in vitro, its physiological relevance and its potential exploitation for the therapy of metabolic disorders. They will have access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities for cell signalling, advanced microscopy and image analysis of the COMPARE Advanced Imaging Facility.

Person Specification

• Bachelor and/or master degree in biology, biochemistry or related field and, normally, a PhD (or near to completion) or equivalent qualifications on a relevant topic
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Good knowledge of mammalian cell culture and molecular biology techniques (cloning, transfection, etc.)
• Ideally, previous experience with GPCR signalling, live cell imaging and/or BRET/FRET
• Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary experimental research and team work
• Drive to learn new skills
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Informal enquiries can be made to Prof. Davide Calebiro, email: d.calebiro@bham.ac.uk. 

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment
We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.

Closes: 27/11/2024

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