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Research Fellow, Centre for Experimental Medicine

Employer
Global Academy Jobs
Location
United Kingdom
Closing date
Aug 29, 2016

Job Details

JOB PURPOSE:

To be a highly productive, ambitious and collaborative member of a Regenerative Neuroimmunology research team led by Dr. Denise Fitzgerald in the Centre for Experimental Medicine. The position will involve working as part of a Wellcome Trust-funded research programme that seeks to identify new therapeutic targets for myelin regeneration with an emphasis on the role of T cells in remyelination. The projects will utilise in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo models of CNS remyelination and are based in a highly collaborative team, carrying out basic and clinical research with partners locally, nationally and internationally. The post is a senior role in the team and as such, successful applicants will have responsibilities in independent research, supervision, planning, day-to-day lab management, collaborations and outreach. The post is suited to a highly ambitious individual, preferably with previous postdoctoral experience and is available for 2 years in the first instance, renewable for up to an additional 3 years.

MAJOR DUTIES:

  • Develop, plan and deliver an area of personal research and expertise, and/or undertake research under supervision within a research programme aimed at uncovering fundamental biology of immune influence in remyelination. Techniques may include cell culture, tissue explant, in vivo experimental models as well as working with clinical and biobanked samples.
  • Develop and implement, with support, a highly ambitious personal career development plan in the course of the post.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the field of interest at the cutting edge and communicate same to the group.
  • Design, develop and refine experimental apparatus, models or experiments in order to obtain reliable and reproducible data in models of immune cell activity, progenitor cell activity, CNS damage and tissue regeneration.
  • Carry out analyses, critical evaluations and interpretations of experimental data and the literature using methodologies and other techniques appropriate to area of research.
  • Present regular progress reports on research to members of the research group, other groups within the Centre/University, to external audiences nationally and internationally to disseminate and publicise research findings.
  • Prepare, often in consultation with supervisor, material for publication in national and international journals and presentations at international conferences.
  • Assist grant holder in the preparation of funding proposals and applications as well as project progress reports to external bodies.
  • Prepare competitive applications for own funding such as travel grants, project grants and fellowship applications.
  • Carry out routine administrative tasks associated with the research projects/group to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget and that the group functions efficiently. These might include organisation of project/group meetings and documentation, financial control, stock management/procurement, risk assessment of research activities and development of SOPs.
  • Carry out routine administrative tasks associated with the day-to-day running of the research group in a communal lab setting.
  • Carry out school/undergraduate/post-graduate student and visiting researcher training and supervision, demonstrating, tutoring or lecturing duties within the post holder’s area of expertise and under the guidance of a member of academic staff.
  • Participate, and in some cases lead outreach activities on behalf of the group/Centre.
  • Participate in local research-related activities such as journal clubs, training sessions, seminar series etc.
  • Assist in assessment of research communications and data, particularly within the group.
  • Additional research and/or laboratory related duties including outreach activities, within the general range of the post and competence of post holder.


Planning and Organising:

  • Plan for specific aspects of research programme. Timescales range from 1-18 months in advance and may contribute to overall research group planning.
  • Plan for access to, and use of, research resources, laboratories and workshops where appropriate.
  • Plan own day-to-day activity within framework of the agreed research programme as well as communal activities (e.g. meetings) were appropriate.
  • Plan up to 5 years in advance to meet deadlines for grant applications, journal publications and to prepare presentations and papers for conferences and meetings.
  • Coordinate and liaise with other members of the research group and collaborative research groups regarding work progress and stock management.
  • Assist in training other group members on effective planning and organisation.


Resource Management Responsibilities:

  • Ensure research resources are used in an effective and efficient manner including liaising with vendors and collaborators.
  • Provide guidance as required to support staff and any post-graduate/under-graduate students and visiting researchers who may be assisting with work of the group.


Internal and External Relationships:

  • Liaise on a regular basis with supervisor, colleagues, students and collaborators. Communicate appropriately and effectively with lab colleagues topics such as latest research findings/results within the group and field.
  • Build internal contacts and participate in internal networks for the exchange of information and to form relationships for future collaboration.
  • Travel to, and present at scientific meetings and work in collaborative laboratories when necessary.
  • Join external networks to share information and ideas and help develop and maintain external collaborations, as appropriate.
  • Contribute to the School’s outreach programme by developing links with local community groups, industries etc.


ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

  • Have a PhD in Immunology, Neuroscience, Regenerative biology or a closely related area.
  • At least 4 years recent research experience in neuroscience, immunology or regenerative biology.
  • Recent extensive hands-on experience in at least two of the following:
    - advanced bioimaging (e.g. intravital microscopy, electron microscopy)
    - advanced molecular biology
    - advanced protein biochemistry
    - advanced flow cytometry
    - biobank oversight.
  • AND Recent extensive hands-on experience in at least two of the following: advanced stem cell biology
- advanced T cell biology
- oligodendrocyte biology
- extensive experience with in vivo models
- clinical immunology research utilising human blood samples.

  • Recent high-quality original research publications as first author in reputable peer-reviewed journals, commensurate with career
  • stage.
  • Experience teaching/supervising /mentoring postgraduate/ undergraduate/school students and visiting researchers in the laboratory. Methodical approach to project management and meticulous in regards to experimental procedures and record keeping.
  • Highly ambitious, motivated, efficient, organised and show a commitment to, and interest in, research topic.
  • Competent in maintaining knowledge of cutting-edge of field of expertise.
  • Competent in giving effective and informative oral and poster presentations.
  • Competent in communicating stipulated research skills essential to the post in CV/job application. Leadership qualities.
  • Strong ability to work from own initiative.
  • Excellent team working skills in multiple internal and external team settings.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills.
  • Must be willing to travel to national and international meetings and collaborative laboratories. Irregular hours including evening, weekend and other out-of-hours working will be a component of the research at times.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA:

  • Home Office personal licence (modules 1-4).
  • Experience in stereotactic surgical techniques, electrophysiology, transgenic model development, general communal lab
  • management.
  • High quality grant, manuscript, ethics application, report and abstract writing experience.
  • Productive postdoctoral experience as evidenced by a strong publication record commensurate with career stage.
  • Experience teaching lab members as well as undergraduate lectures/tutorials/practicals.
  • Classroom-based teaching such as lecturing, tutorials.
  • Research project management.
  • Up-to-date knowledge of fields of remyelination and/or T cell biology.
  • Experience working in outreach settings.



ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Applications are invited from highly motivated, efficient and organised individuals with a strong commitment to research. The successful candidate will have a very strong background in immunology, neuroscience or regenerative biology and will be seeking an
ambitious research project in a well-supported environment.

• Candidates must be able to demonstrate strong initiative and independence in thought and work but also to work within a highly
collaborative team to support/train other team members as appropriate.

• The successful applicant will have good oral and written communication skills, a PhD in a relevant scientific area such as
Neuroscience, Immunology or Regenerative Biology and preferably postdoctoral experience as this is a senior role within the group.

• In-depth experience in molecular biology or advanced bioimaging would be of benefit to this post.

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