Institute of Inflammation and Ageing -Research Fellow - Grade 7 - Post 99070

Position Details

Institute of Inflammation and Ageing 

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £31,406 to £40,927, with potential progression once in post to £43,434 

Grade 7 

Full Time Fixed Term Contract for  36 months 

Closing date:  15th February 2022

Background 

The College of Medicine and Dental Sciences  is currently seeking to appoint an exceptional candidate to the post of Postodoctoral Research Fellow in the Institute of Inflammation and Ageing.  The successful candidate will employ a broad range of cell and molecular biological approaches to evaluate at the preclinical level an innovative mitochondrial therapy for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. 

Role Summary

This position (3 years 100% FTE) will be funded by Diabetes UK and will be based in the Institute of Inflammation and Ageing at the University of Birmingham. The position will assume responsibility for evaluating new therapies to alleviate mitochondrial dysfunction and neurovascular degeneration in diabetic retinopathy, using a range of in vivo, ex-vivo and in vitro laboratory approaches (e.g. physiological, cell and molecular biology methods). The post offers an exciting opportunity to join a multi-disciplinary team highly committed to translational eye research, as supported by basic researchers, clinicians and neuropharmacologists as well as with local patient focus groups.  

Main Duties

• To pharmacologically treat diabetic in vivo models.

• To evaulate retinal pathology and mitochondrial dysfunction using in vivo, ex-vivo and in vitro approaches.

• To carry out analyses, critical evaluations, and interpretations using methodologies and other techniques appropriate to the area of research

• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods to answer the research questions.

• To present at national and international research meetings and prepare manuscripts for submission to major international journals. 

• To present regular progress reports on research to members of the multi-disciplinary group, funding body, patient focus groups or to external audiences to disseminate and publish research findings.

• Contribute to writing bids for research funding

• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students.

• Undertake management/administration arising from research

• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration

• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research 

• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines

• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

• Have or about* to obtain a PhD in molecular biology, neurobiology, cell biology, immunology or a closely related area of biomedicine (*must have submitted PhD thesis at the time of application)

• Substantial, hands-on, postgraduate experience,  that will demonstrate relevant practical and laboratory skills for this project, including experience in cell/molecular biology using appropriate model systems, such as:

  • Immunocytochemistry/immunohistochemistry, imaging acquisition (confocal/wide-field) and its bio-informatic analysis

  • Preparation and analysis of samples for genomic analysis (e.g. PCR, rtPCR), western-blotting and/or flow cytometr

  • Experience with in vitro cell models (primary cultures and/or cell lines).

• Experience with in vivo models of diabetes/eye disease and/or primary (endothelial) cell models is desirable.  

• Evidence of a key role in publication in internationally recognised peer reviewed journals. This list should be commensurate with stage of career and experience.

• Long-term goals in research

• High level analytical capability and the ability to communicate complex information clearly

• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively, and to contribute to broader management/administration processes

• Ability to work independently within the context of a research team and to contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project.

• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.

Informal enquires to Jose Romero [email protected]

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment

We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working