LifeArc PCD Research Fellow

Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia Group

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a national research programme with the aim of speeding up the diagnosis and treatment of rare respiratory diseases. The LifeArc Centre for Rare Respiratory Diseases is co-led by Southampton with partners in Edinburgh, Nottingham, Dundee, Cambridge, and at University College London. https://research.uhs.nhs.uk/news/new-national-centre-to-improve-tests-and-treatments-for-lung-diseases

The primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) research group at University of Southampton is recruiting a Senior Research Fellow or Research Fellow to develop scalable advanced cell models for primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), including CRISPR-Cas 9 editing of a ciliated airway cell line. Characterisation of the models will confirm genetic, molecular and cellular defects relating to cilia motility, prior to high throughput testing of novel therapies. Through the national LifeArc collaboration you will have opportunities to network and work with scientists and clinicians from other institutions working on various aspects of the programme; also opportunities to integrate with industrial partners and patient advocacy groups.

The ideal candidate will have experience in airway biology and advanced primary cellular models, integrating molecular, imaging and cell biology methods. Knowledge of CRISPR/Cas9 methods is welcomed. You must be a good team worker, collaborator and an excellent communicator. Additional training will be provided to develop the skills base required for this multi-facetted post. You will be given time to take courses and attend meetings to enable your personal career development aims.

The PCD Group’s research programme is complimented by our NHS activity, ensuring patients are central to our work. University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS) is one of three national centres providing a comprehensive diagnostic and management service for PCD. 

Based at Southampton General Hospital the post is ERE level 4, full time and for 4 years following a probationary period. Subject to satisfactory progress and LifeArc Centre resource allocation, the post may be extended for a further one year. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact Professor Jane Lucas or Dr Claire Jackson by emailing yutong.zhang@soton.ac.uk

Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

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