Research Fellow

Applications are invited for a Research Fellow to join Dr Lee’s eye research group to study potential novel treatments for infants with Albinism. 

You will have a PhD or equivalent professional qualifications and experience. Laboratory experience with in vivo modelling, cell biology/cell culture, pigment research and genetics or other high-throughput drug discovery research is desirable. You should be a highly motivated candidate, capable of independently designing and carrying out experiments as well as intellectually contributing to the project to achieve its goals in a timely manner. You should be interested in the interface between lab-based research and clinical research and ideally have an interest in paediatric disorders. Evidence of publishing in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals and contribution to research grant applications would be desirable.

The group investigates various aspects of paediatric eye disease from very clinical projects with a team of research orthoptists, to lab based and genetic studies in-house and through collaborations with other PI’s in the wider vision research group and externally.

This project, funded by the Medical Research Foundation, will provide an opportunity to lead a new study seeking to evaluate a range of potential therapeutics for infants with forms of Albinism. The study has the potential to identify and validate a range of novel therapeutics and take preliminary findings through to clinical studies and trials in the future (as we have recently done with L-DOPA). The project will employ multiple techniques including in vivo modelling, cell culture-disease modelling, novel assay development using CRISPR techniques, confocal and ultrastructural imaging, high-throughput drug screening and some genetics work. Hence, this exciting project offers the opportunity to work at the interphase of cutting-edge, multidisciplinary research.

You will join a vibrant and dynamic research group and be expected to work in a team with other postdocs, PhD/undergraduate students, clinician scientists and technicians as part of the wider vision research group. Due to the co-location of our laboratories and clinical services, you will have opportunities, on an ad-hoc basis, to see how our lab based research starts and finishes with our young patients. You will collaborate with colleagues across Faculties of Medicine and Biological Sciences at the University of Southampton and colleagues in other institutions.

The successful candidate can expect a collegial and research-focused environment with mentoring and career development support from the PI and co-supervisors (Dr Arjuna Ratnayaka and Mr Jay Self).  

The post is available for a period of 2 years. Due to funding requirements the post can only be offered on a full-time basis. Interviews for shortlisted candidates are likely to be held in April/May 2025. Informal inquires may be directed to Dr Helena Lee  (Helena.Lee@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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