Research Fellow (fixed term)

Reference MED286822

Closing Date Monday, 19th September 2022

Job Type Research

Department School of Medicine - Mental Health & Clinical Neurosciences

Salary £32348 to £43414 per annum (pro-rata if applicable) depending on skills and experience. Salary progression beyond this scale is subject to performance.

Applications are invited for a fixed term, full-time (36.25 hours per week) Research Fellow post to work on a project funded by the Biocatalyst UK in partnership with Electrospinning PLC. The project aims to compare the biocompatibility and physical attributes of a synthetic amniotic membrane, called Symatix, with regard to interaction with ocular surface epithelial cells, with human cryopreserved and dried amniotic membrane products. The successful candidate will join a highly motivated and multidisciplinary research team in the Section of Ophthalmology within the Academic Unit 1, School of Medicine. As Symatix is a patented biomaterial developed by the Electrospinning PLC, the candidate will have additional opportunity to interact with Senior Scientist and Chief Scientific Officer based at the company all throughout the study. The candidate will work under the mentorship of Professor Harminder S. Dua CBE, Chair and Head of Ophthalmology. 

The role holder will be involved in studying cellular characteristics such as cell morphology, stratification, basement membrane formation, cell proliferation, and gene and protein expression of adhesion molecules, pro-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors. Candidate must have proven experience in relevant techniques and equipment and the capability to organise own and other’s activities to meet set deadlines.   An understanding of regulations and procedure governing laboratory work (Human Tissue Act and Biological Safety) is highly essential. Experience in working with human tissue, cell culturing, immunofluorescence, tissue histology, flow cytometry, ELISA, immuno-blotting, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) are relevant and desirable. Applicants must be highly motivated and capable of working independently, with relevant technical experience in cell/developmental or related biological science. It is expected that the candidate also has experience in soft skills, including statistical and imaging applications for research purpose.

The post is available from August/September 2022 and will be offered on a fixed-term contract until 31 March 2023, hours of work are full time (36.25 hours per week). Job share arrangements may be considered. 

The applicant will be based at the QMC campus of the University of Nottingham, but willingness to travel across the campuses and to collaborators laboratory within in the UK, is desirable. 

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Professor Harminder S. Dua, email: [email protected] . Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

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