Research Officer in Immunometabolism

The laboratory of myeloid immunometabolism is recruiting a talented research scientist to study immune cell metabolism in kidney disease

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY

Swansea University is a research-led university that has been making a difference since 1920. The University community thrives on exploration and discovery and offers the right balance of excellent teaching and research, matched by an enviable quality of life.

Our stunning waterfront campuses and multicultural community make us a desirable workplace for colleagues from around the world. Our reward and benefits, and ways of working enable those who join us to have enriching careers, matched by an excellent work-life balance.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are currently recruiting a full-time postdoctoral researcher to join the newly formed Myeloid Immunometabolism Group, working on an exciting new project investigating the metabolic requirements of immune cells in the context of peritoneal dialysis (used to treat Kidney Disease). The project is led by Dr Luke Davies (Swansea University Medical School) and is funded by a Medical Research Council New Investigator Research Grant. This is a full-time position, fixed-term until the 28th February 2027.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a major health problem which affects up to 12% of the population and is on the rise globally. At-home peritoneal dialysis (PD) is increasingly used as an alternative mode of treatment. However, PD is not a permanent treatment option, complications can arise, such as peritoneal infections (peritonitis) and immune cell-driven fibrosis (scarring of peritoneal membranes). PD functions by using a peritoneal catheter to fill and drain the peritoneal cavity with approximately 2 litres of fluid - a basic mixture of sugar and stabilisers designed only to draw waste metabolites from the blood. Previous research from Dr. Luke Davies has shown that immune cells in the peritoneum require a broader range of metabolites to perform their anti-microbial function. Currently, the health and function of immune cells are currently not considered in PD. This project will investigate the benefits of metabolite alteration of PD fluid (e.g. addition of glutamate) to promote cell health and immune defence, which will prevent the poor outcomes of PD. The goals of this project to define the peritoneal environment (metabolomics), determine metabolite additives that improves the longevity of this treatment option for patients (immunometabolic assays), and to determine whether altering the metabolism of immune cells can treat peritonitis (inflammation studies).

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

The University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity in all its practices and activities. We aim to establish an inclusive environment and welcome diverse applications from the following protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic and national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Applications for this role will take the format of a CV submission and cover letter