Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Postdoctoral Research Fellow Apply
Post Details

Full time
Fixed term for up to 32 months

The closing date for applications is midnight on Thursday 20 June 2024.
Interviews are expected to take place on Monday 08 July 2024.

There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.

For the purposes of sponsorship, this is a postdoctoral role and may be eligible for sponsorship depending on candidate circumstances under SOC code 2119.

The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.

The Post

The researcher position being advertised is for a 32 months Full time Grade 7 Research Fellow post to join an exciting collaborative project between University of Stirling’s Institute of Aquaculture, Moredun Research Institute, Bimeda Animal Health and Vertebrate Antibodies Ltd. to develop a mucosal vaccine for Atlantic salmon to protect against the skin parasite, salmon louse, Lepeophtheirus salmonis.

The successful applicant will work with Dr. Sean Monaghan (PI) and Prof. James Bron (Co-I) on the Biotechnology and Biological Science Research Council (BBSRC) funded project, “Development of a mucosally-delivered and active salmon louse vaccine for Atlantic salmon aquaculture” to produce an efficacious prototype salmon louse vaccine through reverse vaccinology. A novel aspect of the project is the incorporation of recently developed AI technology for novel antigen discovery. This will allow development of an oral vaccine to be delivered via mucosal antigen-presenting scaffolds.

The Research Fellow will organise and perform sea lice infection and vaccination fish challenge trials at the University of Stirling’s marine environmental research laboratory facility and use qPCR, RNA-sequencing and proteomics approaches to explore parasite life-stage relevant antigens of Lepeophtheirus salmonis.

The successful candidate will work closely with project partners to develop methods and analytical pipelines to characterise secreted sea louse antigen vaccine targets and optimise protocols to localise antigen expression using in situ hybridisation/RNA scope. Finally, the candidate will develop parasitological and molecular approaches to assess vaccine performance including assessment of louse reproductive viability and host immune response, thus providing standardised and effective methods to determine sea lice vaccine efficacy.

Description of Duties

• Design and organise fish trials and sea lice experimental challenges
• Organise and assist with the collection of samples from fish at the Marine Environmental Research Laboratory (MERL), Argyll
• Travel to and work in remote areas of Scotland
• Design and organise vaccination-challenge trials at the Marine Environmental Research Laboratory (MERL), Argyll
• Develop and perform qPCR assays to determine immune gene expression from vaccinated fish
• Use proteomic approaches to assess key sea louse molecules involved in host-parasite interactions including work on secretory/excretory products (SEPs)
• Perform and support RNA-seq experiments on Lepeophtheirus salmonis throughout different developmental stages of its life cycle
• Prepare protocols and risk assessments as required
• Contribute to the development of research objectives and proposals for own or joint research and play a lead role in relation to a specific project/s or part of a broader project with guidance from senior colleagues, if required and as appropriate for the duration of the appointment
• As part of the wider research team, develop new research methodologies and approaches. Write and contribute to peer-reviewed publications and disseminate research findings using appropriate media
• Contribute to new proposals, including drafting grant proposals and planning for future research, if required and as appropriate for the duration of the appointment
• Support supervision of undergraduate (BSc.) and postgraduate research students (PhD and MSc.) and contribute to teaching if required and as appropriate or the duration of the appointment by, for example, supervising practical work
• Build internal contacts and participate in internal networks for the exchange of information and to form relationships for future collaboration

Essential Criteria

Qualifications

• PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline: e.g. molecular biology, immunology, parasitology, proteomics

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Possession of fundamental molecular biology lab skills (e.g. PCR, gel electrophoresis, RNA extraction etc.)
• Evidence of experience with RNA sequencing and/or allied transcriptomic techniques
• Evidence of working with experimental animals
• Evidence of ability to conduct high quality research work, and to disseminate results from such work
• Evidence for IT and data analysis / interpretation skills as appropriate e.g. experience with ‘R’ or other statistical software
• Evidence of a developing publication record

Desirable Criteria

Qualifications

• Membership of relevant Chartered/professional bodies (including Higher Education Academy)

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Experience with handling fish and taking tissue samples.
• Experience with fish vaccine trials
• Experience of undergraduate or postgraduate teaching and/or supervision of dissertations and research projects
• Evidence of experience with LC MS/MS and proteomic analysis.
• Evidence of ability to prepare written reports and deliver oral presentations
• Knowledge of parasitology
• Knowledge of immunology
• Knowledge of vaccinology
• Experience working under regulations controlling the use of animals in science
• Experience working in remote locations
• Driving licence

Behaviours and Competencies

The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.

Managing self and personal skills
Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.

Delivering excellent service
Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.

Finding solutions
Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.

Embracing change
Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.

Using resources effectively
Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.

Engaging with the wider context
Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.

Developing self and others
Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.

Working together
Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.

Achieving Results
Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.

About Us

Faculty of Natural Sciences (FNS) encompasses the Divisions of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Computing Science and Mathematics, Psychology and the Institute of Aquaculture. FNS is a distinctive academic arena where new fundamental understandings of the complex and challenging inter-relationships between human behaviours, technologies, biological and environmental systems are created, explored and tested. Results of REF2021 confirmed that 80% of our research is world leading and internationally excellent. It is supported through UK Research Councils, European Union and a range of research charities We work with businesses and public service organisations both at home and overseas to achieve direct and positive outcomes for society across a range of critical problems. Recent success in the 2018 City deal is leading to a substantial investment in new infrastructure linked to the Faculty including a £17 million investment for a new Institute of Aquaculture and Global Aquatic Food Security facility and a £5 million investment for Scotland’s International Environment Centre

Institute of Aquaculture

Established in 1971, the Institute of Aquaculture (IoA) is the leading international centre in its field and the largest of its kind in the world. The Institute of Aquaculture has research and teaching facilities on campus including temperate and tropical aquaria. Off campus, at Buckieburn, the IoA has its freshwater research facility and, at Machrihanish on the Kintyre peninsula, its marine research facility. The entire Institute brings together cross-disciplinary, world class researchers in breeding and physiology, genomics and selection, nutrition, emerging aquatic diseases, immunology, parasitology, welfare and behaviour, environmental management, society and technology, and policy and governance our research and training focuses on critical questions relating to strategies for sustainable aquaculture

The University

The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe – addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society. Stirling is 4th in Scotland and 43rd in the UK for research impact, with 87% of its research having an outstanding or very considerable impact on society – and more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021).

The University of Stirling is ranked among the top 30 UK universities for student satisfaction (National Student Survey) and top 30 in the UK for postgraduate student experience (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey), and has an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings.

More than 17,000 students study with the University of Stirling globally, with over 140 nationalities represented on its scenic central Scotland campus alone. The University – also home to 1,700 staff – is ranked first in the UK and top three in the world for its campus environment (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two). Ranked first in the UK and top five in the world for its sports facilities (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two), Stirling is Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence. Its world-class facilities provide the perfect training environment for the University’s sports scholars – many of whom compete at the highest level, including at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games – and for students, staff, and the wider community.

The University has twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize – the first for its Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and the second for its Institute of Aquaculture (2019).

The University is a signatory to the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal and a central partner of the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.
www.stir.ac.uk  @stiruni

Job number

FAC01952

Contract Type

Fixed Term Contract

Posting End Date

20-Jun-2024

Location:

Stirling Campus

Grade

Grade7 £37,099-£44,263 p.a.

Faculty/Service

Faculty of Natural Sciences

Post Details

Full time
Fixed term for up to 32 months

The closing date for applications is midnight on Thursday 20 June 2024.
Interviews are expected to take place on Monday 08 July 2024.

There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.

For the purposes of sponsorship, this is a postdoctoral role and may be eligible for sponsorship depending on candidate circumstances under SOC code 2119.

The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.

The Post

The researcher position being advertised is for a 32 months Full time Grade 7 Research Fellow post to join an exciting collaborative project between University of Stirling’s Institute of Aquaculture, Moredun Research Institute, Bimeda Animal Health and Vertebrate Antibodies Ltd. to develop a mucosal vaccine for Atlantic salmon to protect against the skin parasite, salmon louse, Lepeophtheirus salmonis.

The successful applicant will work with Dr. Sean Monaghan (PI) and Prof. James Bron (Co-I) on the Biotechnology and Biological Science Research Council (BBSRC) funded project, “Development of a mucosally-delivered and active salmon louse vaccine for Atlantic salmon aquaculture” to produce an efficacious prototype salmon louse vaccine through reverse vaccinology. A novel aspect of the project is the incorporation of recently developed AI technology for novel antigen discovery. This will allow development of an oral vaccine to be delivered via mucosal antigen-presenting scaffolds.

The Research Fellow will organise and perform sea lice infection and vaccination fish challenge trials at the University of Stirling’s marine environmental research laboratory facility and use qPCR, RNA-sequencing and proteomics approaches to explore parasite life-stage relevant antigens of Lepeophtheirus salmonis.

The successful candidate will work closely with project partners to develop methods and analytical pipelines to characterise secreted sea louse antigen vaccine targets and optimise protocols to localise antigen expression using in situ hybridisation/RNA scope. Finally, the candidate will develop parasitological and molecular approaches to assess vaccine performance including assessment of louse reproductive viability and host immune response, thus providing standardised and effective methods to determine sea lice vaccine efficacy.

Description of Duties

• Design and organise fish trials and sea lice experimental challenges
• Organise and assist with the collection of samples from fish at the Marine Environmental Research Laboratory (MERL), Argyll
• Travel to and work in remote areas of Scotland
• Design and organise vaccination-challenge trials at the Marine Environmental Research Laboratory (MERL), Argyll
• Develop and perform qPCR assays to determine immune gene expression from vaccinated fish
• Use proteomic approaches to assess key sea louse molecules involved in host-parasite interactions including work on secretory/excretory products (SEPs)
• Perform and support RNA-seq experiments on Lepeophtheirus salmonis throughout different developmental stages of its life cycle
• Prepare protocols and risk assessments as required
• Contribute to the development of research objectives and proposals for own or joint research and play a lead role in relation to a specific project/s or part of a broader project with guidance from senior colleagues, if required and as appropriate for the duration of the appointment
• As part of the wider research team, develop new research methodologies and approaches. Write and contribute to peer-reviewed publications and disseminate research findings using appropriate media
• Contribute to new proposals, including drafting grant proposals and planning for future research, if required and as appropriate for the duration of the appointment
• Support supervision of undergraduate (BSc.) and postgraduate research students (PhD and MSc.) and contribute to teaching if required and as appropriate or the duration of the appointment by, for example, supervising practical work
• Build internal contacts and participate in internal networks for the exchange of information and to form relationships for future collaboration

Essential Criteria

Qualifications

• PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline: e.g. molecular biology, immunology, parasitology, proteomics

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Possession of fundamental molecular biology lab skills (e.g. PCR, gel electrophoresis, RNA extraction etc.)
• Evidence of experience with RNA sequencing and/or allied transcriptomic techniques
• Evidence of working with experimental animals
• Evidence of ability to conduct high quality research work, and to disseminate results from such work
• Evidence for IT and data analysis / interpretation skills as appropriate e.g. experience with ‘R’ or other statistical software
• Evidence of a developing publication record

Desirable Criteria

Qualifications

• Membership of relevant Chartered/professional bodies (including Higher Education Academy)

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Experience with handling fish and taking tissue samples.
• Experience with fish vaccine trials
• Experience of undergraduate or postgraduate teaching and/or supervision of dissertations and research projects
• Evidence of experience with LC MS/MS and proteomic analysis.
• Evidence of ability to prepare written reports and deliver oral presentations
• Knowledge of parasitology
• Knowledge of immunology
• Knowledge of vaccinology
• Experience working under regulations controlling the use of animals in science
• Experience working in remote locations
• Driving licence

Behaviours and Competencies

The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.

Managing self and personal skills
Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.

Delivering excellent service
Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.

Finding solutions
Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.

Embracing change
Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.

Using resources effectively
Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.

Engaging with the wider context
Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.

Developing self and others
Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.

Working together
Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.

Achieving Results
Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.

About Us

Faculty of Natural Sciences (FNS) encompasses the Divisions of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Computing Science and Mathematics, Psychology and the Institute of Aquaculture. FNS is a distinctive academic arena where new fundamental understandings of the complex and challenging inter-relationships between human behaviours, technologies, biological and environmental systems are created, explored and tested. Results of REF2021 confirmed that 80% of our research is world leading and internationally excellent. It is supported through UK Research Councils, European Union and a range of research charities We work with businesses and public service organisations both at home and overseas to achieve direct and positive outcomes for society across a range of critical problems. Recent success in the 2018 City deal is leading to a substantial investment in new infrastructure linked to the Faculty including a £17 million investment for a new Institute of Aquaculture and Global Aquatic Food Security facility and a £5 million investment for Scotland’s International Environment Centre

Institute of Aquaculture

Established in 1971, the Institute of Aquaculture (IoA) is the leading international centre in its field and the largest of its kind in the world. The Institute of Aquaculture has research and teaching facilities on campus including temperate and tropical aquaria. Off campus, at Buckieburn, the IoA has its freshwater research facility and, at Machrihanish on the Kintyre peninsula, its marine research facility. The entire Institute brings together cross-disciplinary, world class researchers in breeding and physiology, genomics and selection, nutrition, emerging aquatic diseases, immunology, parasitology, welfare and behaviour, environmental management, society and technology, and policy and governance our research and training focuses on critical questions relating to strategies for sustainable aquaculture

The University

The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe – addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society. Stirling is 4th in Scotland and 43rd in the UK for research impact, with 87% of its research having an outstanding or very considerable impact on society – and more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021).

The University of Stirling is ranked among the top 30 UK universities for student satisfaction (National Student Survey) and top 30 in the UK for postgraduate student experience (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey), and has an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings.

More than 17,000 students study with the University of Stirling globally, with over 140 nationalities represented on its scenic central Scotland campus alone. The University – also home to 1,700 staff – is ranked first in the UK and top three in the world for its campus environment (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two). Ranked first in the UK and top five in the world for its sports facilities (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two), Stirling is Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence. Its world-class facilities provide the perfect training environment for the University’s sports scholars – many of whom compete at the highest level, including at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games – and for students, staff, and the wider community.

The University has twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize – the first for its Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and the second for its Institute of Aquaculture (2019).

The University is a signatory to the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal and a central partner of the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.
www.stir.ac.uk  @stiruni

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