Post Doctoral Research Associate

Job description

The incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) has been increasing by 2–5% a year worldwide, especially in young children. As childhood onset of T1D becomes more prevalent, there is an increasing need to understand how early life exposures could influence the fetal and neonatal immune system and trigger islet autoimmunity. This project will test the novel hypothesis that in utero exposure to infection and inflammation adversely influences fetal development to increase the risk of childhood T1D, in those infants already at heightened susceptibility via mothers/fathers or first-degree relatives (FDR) with diabetes or via elevated risk of preterm birth (PTB). This project, funded for three years by the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, aims to establish a new, unique prospective pregnancy cohort in which we will assess episodes of maternal infection, identify disrupted immune development in the neonates at birth and investigate relationships between infant immune function and subsequent development of islet autoimmunity.   

This post will be offered on a fixed-term contract until 30th November 2025 

This is a full-time  post - 100% full time equivalent

Key responsibilities

•        To undertake cell isolation, RNA extraction and analysis, flow cytometry, and other techniques in assessing the phenotype and function of immune cells in mothers and infants  

•        To support clinical aspects of the study, patient recruitment and follow-up 

•        To process samples relevant to the study 

•        To maintain excellent records and research data 

•        To coordinate and assist other members of the research team 

•        To help with student supervision

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.  

Skills, knowledge, and experience 

Research: An Immunology based PhD with experience in all basic immunological techniques as well as molecular biology experience

Teaching: Support and provide teaching to Biomedical Science and MSc Immunology students as they rotate through the laboratory.

Administration/Management: Maintain research records according to HTA standards. Conform to local research governance protocols. 

Continuing Professional Development: Postgraduate teaching and seminars

Teaching and Training: Teaching opportunities within the College as well as postgraduate seminars and internal research meetings

Essential criteria  

1.      Lab based Immunology PhD 

2.      Experience in Flow cytometry 

3.      Organised, efficient with excellent time management 

4.      Good communication and interpersonal skills 

5.      Knowledge of R and/or other analysis tools 

6.      Molecular biology experience 

Desirable criteria

1.      Knowledge of maternal/ infant immunology/T1D 

2.      Experience of research and producing peer reviewed articles 

3.      Experience of working in human studies and required flexibility 

4.      Analytical skills and able to self-critique own work 

Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6. 

Further information

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