Research Fellow

Type of Contract: Funding Activity Limited for 36 months 

Obesity and type 2 diabetes are among the global health care challenges of the 21st century.  The University of Aberdeen has a 100-year history of ground-breaking science in nutrition and health, principally led by researchers within the Rowett Institute (RI). The primary cause of obesity is the consumption of more food than the body requires, calories that are then stored as fat.  An understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms regulating physical activity, energy expenditure and food intake is essential to successful prevention and treatment of obesity and associated conditions. The brain represents the master coordinator of voluntary physical activity and appetite, employing a number of interwoven neurological circuits to continually appraise and respond to changes in energy balance.  This position pioneers the discovery of key neurons modulating physical activity with ageing. 

Professor Heisler is Chair in Human Nutrition and Director of Research of the RI. The overall aim of her research programme is to investigate the basic neurophysiology underpinning energy balance and body weight. She uses the latest cutting edge technology to reveal exciting novel receptors in the brain that may be harnessed alter appetite, physical activity and other behaviours to prevent and treat obesity and associated diseases. Professor Heisler’s laboratory utilises the latest technology to address the most pressing research questions with the ultimate aim of improving metabolic health and healthy ageing. 

We seek to recruit an experienced, highly motivated post-doctoral fellow committed to a career in research, providing consistent and continuous high level intellectual and practical input to a dynamic research group. You will have a PhD in Neuroscience, Physiology, Biochemistry or Pharmacology with experience in a relevant area.  Particular skills and experience required include molecular biology, histochemistry and in vivo metabolic phenotyping. The successful candidate will be required to function as an outstanding post-doctoral fellow, running an independent project leading to publications and presentations.  The successful candidate will also be required to supervise more junior laboratory members.  

Salary will be at the appropriate point on the Grade 6,  £37,999 - £41,421 per annum, pro rata and negotiable with placement according to qualifications and experience.  

Informal enquiries should be made to Professor Lora Heisler, Chair in Human Nutrition

(Lora.heisler@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 https://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 click the 'Apply' button above.

Job Reference Number: ROW133R 

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 10 February 2025

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