Research Fellow in Immunology

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Biochemical Sciences
Location:  Guildford
Salary:  £36,024 to £39,347 per annum
Fixed Term ( - Feb 2027)
Post Type:  Full Time
Closing Date:  23.59 hours GMT on Wednesday 10 January 2024
Reference:  065023

The University of Surrey is a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research.

We are ambitious and have a bold vision of what we want to achieve - shaping ourselves into one of the best universities in the world, which we are achieving through the talents and endeavour of every employee.  

Our culture empowers people to achieve this aim and to collectively, and individually, make a real difference.  

The role

We invite applications from talented, ambitious, and highly motivated postdoctoral scientists to take a leading role in The Dunhill Medical Trust funded project investigating Adrenergic regulation of immunosenescence and cognitive decline across the life course. You will join a multidisciplinary team of immunologists and neuroscientists and use the latest technologies to assess the relationship between sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity, inflammation, immune function, and cognitive function in cross-sectional human studies.

The post-holder will work in the group of Dr Natalie Riddell along with Dr Ciro della Monica and other group members in the Immunology Section and Surrey Sleep Research Centre, both within the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. With the use of state-of-the-art facilities, you will perform in-depth characterisation of systemic inflammation and the immune response to different immunological and adrenergic challenges and will determine how this relate to cognitive function and SNS activity.

Key responsibilities will include:

• leading a team conducting human research investigating the link between SNS activity, immune ageing, and cognitive function
• obtaining and processing human samples
• planning and conducting experiments to examine cellular & molecular regulation of immunity by adrenergic signalling
• flow cytometry and full fluorescent spectrum technology (Cytek Aurora for Imm-AGE scoring and immune function)
• immunoassays (ELISA and IsoPlexis multiplex Secretome platform)
• measuring cardiac sympathetic and vagal control
• conducting unbiased assessments of cognitive functions
• working with recruitment officers, a technician and students to organise study visits

You will also be involved in experimental data analysis and report writing and will be expected to present at conferences and local public engagement events.

About you

We are looking for applicants with a PhD in a relevant discipline (or equivalent) as well as experience in immunological techniques and conducting human research. Specifically, you should have experience in cell/tissue culture, multi-coloured flow-cytometry, immunoassays, and data visualisation and unbiased analysis. Experience in running human studies is desirable, as is knowledge of human immune aging.

Personally, you will be able to work positively and flexibly with colleagues and will have excellent communication skills. You will be self-motivated with the ability to work effectively both as part of a team and independently. Experience in supervising junior lab members is also desirable.

What we can offer

The growing and vibrant Section of Immunology is located at the beautiful campus of the University of Surrey, close to London. We think Surrey is an amazing place to work, and we are working to create a dynamic, flexible, and innovative place to work and thrive.

Alongside our wonderful campus setting, collegiate on-site atmosphere, and plentiful development opportunities, we also offer a market leading pension, generous annual leave entitlement, relocation assistance where appropriate, an attractive research environment, and access to a variety of staff development opportunities. Furthermore, our benefit packages include childcare assistance and discounted membership to University sports facilities.

Further Information

To apply, please submit a CV and a cover letter outlining how you meet the requirements of the role.

For informal discussion about the post, please contact Dr Natalie Riddell ([email protected]).

Interviews will be held w/c 22nd January on campus.

The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all.  We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase the diversity within our community.  Therefore we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.

Please note, it is University Policy to offer a starting salary equivalent to Level 3.6 (£34,980) to successful applicants who have been awarded, but are yet to receive, their PhD certificate.  Once the original PhD certificate has been submitted to the local HR Department, the salary will be increased to Level 4.1 (£36,024).