Postdoctoral Research Fellow Exeter, England
Job description
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
This full-time MRC funded post is available for a period of 3.5 years with an expected start date of 1 April 2023.
This post will form part of a multi-institute collaboration within the new MRC National Mouse Genetics Network that aims to address the role of the microbiome in monogenetic diseases affecting mucosal barrier surfaces. The Microbiome and Barrier Function cluster (https://nmgn.mrc.ukri.org/clusters/microbiome/), led by Professor Fiona Powrie from the University of Oxford, in collaboration with researchers from the Universities of Exeter, Manchester, Imperial College London, and EMBL’s European Bioinformatics Institute, and involves close collaboration with the Mary Lyon Centre, Harwell.
We are looking for an enthusiastic postdoctoral research fellow to take forward the research project focussed on the role of the microbiome on inflammation in cystic fibrosis. Commonly encountered bacterial (Pseudomonas) and fungal (Aspergillus) pathogens infecting the airways of people with cystic fibrosis will be studied, as well as the role of the gut microbiome in the persistent airway inflammation leading to progressive lung disease. Experimental murine models will be developed to study the interaction between the gut microbiome, infection and inflammation in cystic fibrosis.
The post holder will take a leading role in the research being led by Profs Warris and Brown at the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter and will be responsible for driving collaboration with other cluster members in order to share knowledge and develop advanced immunology and gnotobiotic techniques that are in line with NC3Rs objectives. The experimental murine work will be performed at the University of Oxford and/or the Mary Lyon Centre at Harwell.
MRC Centre for Medical Mycology
The Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology (MRC CMM) is one of the most ambitious strategic investments in UK medical mycology. The MRC CMM is a world-leading research centre that is helping to tackle the major global threats to human health caused by fungal diseases. In fact, fungal infections now kill more people worldwide than malaria and similar numbers to tuberculosis. The Centre brings together researchers from the fields of medicine and living systems, and the biological, chemical, physical and mathematical sciences to increase our understanding of fungal pathogens and cognate immune defences, and to identify new ways to diagnose, prevent and treat fungal diseases. A major activity of the MRC CMM is to increase UK capacity in fundamental and clinical research in medical mycology through research and training programmes for medical and biosciences students and early career researchers. The Centre has established strategic interactions with other national and international groups is promoting public engagement and understanding of our science.
About you
Applicants will possess a relevant PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study. The successful applicant will have experience in murine models, infection and immunology research, and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop research programmes and methodologies. The successful applicant will also be able to work collaboratively, supervise the work of others and act as team leader as required.
The successful applicant will be able to develop research objectives, projects and proposals; identify sources of research funding and contribute to the process of securing funds and make presentations at conferences and other events.
Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.
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).
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. More than 99% of our research is of international quality and our world-leading research impact is growing faster than any other Russell Group university (2021 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.
Benefits
We offer some fantastic benefits including:
- 41 days leave per year
- options for flexible working
- numerous discounts at leading retailers
- onsite gyms on all of our campus’ and a cycle to work scheme
- sector leading policies around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to six weeks full pay) and a new Fertility Treatment Policy
- stunning campus environments in Exeter and Cornwall, in the beautiful South West of England
Further information
Please contact Prof Adilia Warris ([email protected]) or Prof Gordon Brown ([email protected])
We welcome applications from candidates interested in working part-time hours or job-sharing arrangements.
This role may be subject to additional background screening.
The College is proud to have a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment and impact to providing equality of opportunity and advancing the representation of women in STEM/M subjects. Our Inspiring Stories tell you more about how we support our staff, including through a mentoring programme to help our staff learn from the professional and life experience of colleagues and explore opportunities and actions for career progression.
