Postdoctoral Research Associate Grade 7

A full-time postdoctoral position in musculoskeletal pathology of ageing is available in the Department of Musculoskeletal and Ageing Science at the University in the Osteoarthritis group headed by principal investigator Dr Blandine Poulet, in collaboration with the Engineering Biomechanics Group in the Faculty of Science and Engineering lead by Professor Ahmed El Sheikh.  

This exciting, multidisciplinary project, funded by the MRC, aims to determine the mechanism by which loss of the extracellular matrix protein Fibrillin-1 promotes osteoarthritis (OA) development, in order to define potential new therapies to slow disease progression. Current evidence suggests that fibrillin-1 protein degradation during OA may contribute to the complex pathologies seen in all tissues of the musculoskeletal system during disease development, including ligaments. To achieve this, we will use mouse transgenic models to delete Fibrillin-1 in limbs in conjunction with knee overloading model to induce OA.

We are looking to appoint an individual to join our multidisciplinary team to define how loss of fibrillin-1 affects ligament mechanical properties and joint biomechanics, and in turn contribute to OA progressive degeneration.  Your contribution will be in the experimental testing of tissue specimens and the construction of numerical models simulating joint behaviour and how it changes with deterioration in component performance. You will be part of the Musculoskeletal and Ageing Sciences Department (Faculty of Biosciences) and of the Engineering Biomechanics Group (Faculty of Science and Engineering).

You are expected to have a range of skills including numerical simulation using finite element analysis, programming, experimental testing and large data analysis, with a strong background in engineering (biomedical, mechanical or civil). Prior knowledge of biomechanics would be advantageous. Strong collaborative and team work skills are required.

The post (full-time) is available from July 2024 for two years.

Any applicants who are still awaiting their PhD to be awarded should be aware that if successful, they will be appointed at grade 6, spine point 30. Upon written confirmation that they have been successful in being awarded their PhD, they will be moved onto grade 7, spine point 31 from the date of their award.

The University has the right to close the vacancy early if it is deemed that there have been enough applications received.