Postdoctoral Research Associate

 This is a full-time post available from January 2023 on a fixed term contract until December 2025.

The post

The Faculty of Life and Health Sciences / MRC-CMM wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate to support the work of Dr Tetsu Kudoh, Prof Mark Ramsdale and Dr Rhys Farrer. This NC3Rs funded post is available immediately. The successful applicant will contribute to the establishment of a thermotolerant fish embryo model of infection (Arabian killifish, Aphanius dispar) using the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans as the test case.  A primary aim of the project is to address the replacement of rodent models in infection studies. The applicant will therefore drive the creation of a series of transgenic fish lines for real-time monitoring of pathogen host interactions and develop fish lines that mimic human inherited diseases that predispose the host to infection. To maximise productivity, the incumbent will lead their own specific project whilst collaborating with other members of the team (e.g. bioinformaticians/members of the MRC-CMM fungal biology group) to help them complete their work package.

The post will include the design and execution of a package of work involving:

• Tol2 and/or CRISPR-mediated or targeted genome editing of fish lines creating fluorescent tagged immune cell reporters, and mutants that mimic inherited human disease eg CFTR/CGD;
• Establishment of infection protocols with C. albicans that will allow key biological questions to be addressed about pathogenicity without recourse to rodent models;
• Collaborate with bioinformaticians on the creation of a genome and transcriptome database that can be used by the public as a portal. 

About you

The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD (or nearing completion) or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes.

Applicants will have confidence in the application of molecular genetic techniques e.g. CRISPR-mediated strategies for genetic manipulation of fish and fungal pathogens, including knock-in / knock-out of genes encoding fluorescent reporter proteins. Have experience of fluorescence microscopy and associated image analysis that can be applied to the localisation of fluorescent reporters in situ. A willingness to collaborate with others and share your knowledge and experience to promote the NC3Rs primary objectives.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career

• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 150 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022 and QS World University Ranking 2022). We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2017.

Our research income in recent years means we’re the fastest growing UK Research University with some of the world’s most influential scientists, and we seek to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today through this. 98% of our research is of international quality (2014 Research Excellence Framework). We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research – Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

With over 27,000 students and 6,400 staff from 180 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. Reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

For further information please contact Dr Tetsu Kudoh, e-mail [email protected] or telephone (01392) 723473.