Research Associate (Cellular Effects of Respiratory Infections)

Poor management of asthma affects quality of life of patients, causes excessive financial burden on health services, and results in lost productivity. Respiratory viral infections also cause significant morbidity and mortality each year. Especially during the 2009 H1N1 swine flu pandemic in Scotland, asthma was the most common co-morbidity stated. Hence there is an essential need to develop more effective diagnostic interventions to predict severe responses to influenza in asthma patients.  

The airway epithelium is the first defence barrier against exogenous respirable particles and pathogens, including influenza virus, which causes asthma exacerbations. The airway epithelium of asthma patients undergoes structural changes as part of airway remodelling, which combined with functional abnormalities contribute to asthma pathophysiology. We have recently shown that specific epigenetics factors (microRNAs) and their targets play essential roles in airway epithelial inflammatory responses and remodelling after influenza infection in asthma patients. Hence, the airway epithelium represents a resource for biomarkers predicting severe responses of asthma patients after influenza infection.

This is an exciting part-time (50% FTE) position, funded by BMA, for 1 year for a motivated Post-doctoral researcher to join Dr Moheimani's team. The focus of this project is to compare the epigenomics of extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted from airway epithelial cells of asthma patients with what is expressed within those cells, after influenza infection to be able to offer more accessible biomarkers. This project will involve working with a collaborative team of researchers and clinicians at Manchester Metropolitan University, University of Manchester, and Newcastle University.

The Role:

We are seeking a motivated Post-doctoral Researcher to join a multi-institutional team under the leadership of Dr Fatemeh Moheimani. This project involves physiological relevant epithelial cell culture techniques, and influenza virus infections, extraction of EVs, and epigenomics.

The ideal candidate will be comfortable with liaising with clinicians and academics as well as traveling to the clinic to obtain patients' samples required for the project, and working in the laboratory setting (ex vivo) with interest in learning new techniques. Experience in cell culture, molecular and cell biology, respiratory viral infection models (at least two of these) is required. Knowledge of airway epithelial cells culture models, EVs, epigenetic regulatory mechanisms would be an advantage.

Essential skills

• Experience in cell culture techniques.
• Demonstrated experience in cell and molecular biology and relevant laboratory techniques, such as real-time PCR and western blotting.
• Ability to plan and manage own research project.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a multi-institutional team.
• Attention to detail and keeping record of information.
• Experience in presenting ideas and findings.
• IT proficiency, including competency in MS office software.

Desirable skills

• Experience with extraction of EVs.
• Experience in viral infection models or microbiology techniques.
• Experience and proficiency in statistical analysis and interest in bioinformatics.
• Publication in peer-reviewed journals relevant to the field

While traveling to Wythenshawe Hospital will be required to obtain samples, the successful candidate will work within the Department of Life Sciences, which provides state of the art research facilities located newly refurbished laboratories. The Faculty of Science and Engineering is an exciting and dynamic environment in which to conduct cutting edge research.

Qualification we require:

Hold a PhD degree in biological science, molecular biology, microbiology, virology, or relevant area.  

For an informal discussion, please contact; Dr Fatemeh Moheimani (f.moheimani@mmu.ac.uk).

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