Research Fellow

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to January 2027

Background

Destructive lung diseases are the third leading cause of death globally, arising from complex interactions among environmental factors, cellular processes, and tissue mechanics, ultimately leading to irreversible lung damage and loss of function. Our research focuses on two key diseases: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a common and terminal condition, and Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), a rare and severe disease affecting young females. With LAM’s well-characterized molecular pathology as an exemplar system, we aim to develop new mathematical models, imaging applications, and biological techniques for eventual application to COPD and other destructive lung diseases. This position invites a candidate skilled in correlative bioimaging approaches to study the lung, contributing to the development of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Main Duties

• Conduct research on the project "Advanced Interdisciplinary Models of Destructive Lung Disease (AIMED)," including planning and leading synchrotron X-ray computed tomography experiments, performing 3D data processing and analysis, and carrying out correlative measurements with confocal and light-sheet microscopy.
• Collect, analyse, and interpret research data using a variety of research methods, including scientific experimentation and literature review using machine learning and AI tools. 
• Disseminate research findings through publications, research seminars, and conferences to contribute to the broader scientific community.
• Supervise and provide guidance to students involved in research-related work, offering mentorship to PhD students as appropriate.
• Undertake project management and administrative tasks arising from the research, maintaining active engagement with project partners across institutions.
• Contribute to public engagement activities that benefit the College and the University, promoting the visibility and impact of research.
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods.
• Promote equality and diversity by fostering an inclusive working culture, serving as a role model in valuing diversity and supporting a collaborative team environment.

Person Specification

• Qualifications: PhD (or near completion) in Bioimaging, Bioengineering, or Biomaterials, with experience relevant to the research areas of tomography, image processing, and analysis.
• Technical Skills: 
  • Essential: Proficiency in microcomputed tomography, 3D image processing, and analysis.
  • Desirable: Experience in correlative imaging, biomaterials, and lung biology.
• Research and Communication: Ability to communicate complex information effectively to colleagues and peers, with a demonstrated ability to publish high-quality research outputs.
• Project Management: Proven ability to contribute to the planning and organization of research projects, ensuring alignment with project goals and timelines.
• Team Collaboration: Commitment to supporting and mentoring peers and junior team members, fostering a collaborative and inclusive research environment.

Informal enquiries can be made to Gowsh Poologasundarampillai, email: g.poologasundarampillai@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

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