Research Fellow in Immunology & Matrix Biology

(Funding limited for 3 years)

The Sutherland lab, based at the University of Aberdeen, studies lung diseases at the interface between immunology and extracellular matrix biology. We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated, creative and experienced research fellow to be part of an exciting collaborative research programme studying IL-13 immune regulation of hyaluronan extracellular matrices during lung injury, repair and chronic pathology. This project will work closely alongside an established collaborative team at the University of Manchester and the University of Virginia and is supported by a Wellcome Discovery Award.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD background in immunology, biochemistry, computation biology (with some experience in wet-lab research) or related biomedical sciences background. The postdoctoral fellow will be responsible for performing experiments to investigate the interactions between immune cells, lung tissue cells and the extracellular matrix that influence the outcomes of acute versus chronic pathology in the lung. A combination of cutting-edge high-dimensional spatial proteomics and transcriptomics, a range of immunological and biochemical assays, in vivo mouse models and 3D lung slice cultures will be used throughout the project. The fellow will be responsible for planning, performing and analysing experiments, collaborating with other lab members and external project partners, and contributing to lab upkeep. Experience with matrix biology and computational analysis is an asset.

This collaborative project has a particular focus on the extracellular matrix component hyaluronan, an enormous polysaccharide that dictates tissue elasticity, hydration and directs immune cell behaviour. During lung inflammation, hyaluronan content increases dramatically and can be driven by the type 2 cytokine IL-13. Hyaluronan also becomes modified by hyaluronan-binding proteins to form diverse HA matrix structures which are essential for effective tissue repair but are also a key component of the pathogenic matrix that forms in asthma, influenza, and COVID-19. The appointed research fellow will specifically work on studying hyaluronan matrices in chronic lung pathology and work toward spatially mapping the hyaluronan matrices in the lung, defining how immune responses instruct matrix formation, and manipulate hyaluronan matrices to address their impact on disease outcome for therapeutic benefit.

Salary will be at the appropriate point on the Grade 6 scale, £37,999 - £40,247 per annum, and negotiable with placement according to qualifications and experience.

Informal enquiries should be made to Dr Tara Sutherland (01224 437363 / Tara.sutherland@abdn.ac.uk).

Prior to employment, the successful candidate must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK. This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route under the UKVI immigration rules but is dependent on factors specific to the candidate and if tradeable points can be used under the rules.

Information on other visa options is available at www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa.

Please do not hesitate to contact Grant Rae, HR Adviser (e-mail: grant.rae@abdn.ac.uk) for further information.

To apply online for this position visit www.abdn.ac.uk/jobs

Job Reference Number: IMS301R

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 06 January 2025

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