Associate Professor, Allergy & Inflammation Research

University of Southampton invites applications for an Associate Professor to lead basic science within the Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) research group. This exciting new post crosses traditional discipline boundaries; you will create a compelling research agenda to complement the existing clinical and translational PCD research programme, whilst working closely with the clinical lead to support the PCD Diagnostic scientists, researchers and students. Close contact with clinical researchers and diagnostic scientists ensures a regular pipeline of clinical samples with linked data from patients with PCD and other lung diseases. 

Applications are welcomed from researchers with relevant academic interests (for example, epithelial cell biology, molecular science, models, imaging). Existing knowledge of cilia or diagnostics is preferred, but is not essential.

The successful applicant will be a visionary and collaborative leader. They will have a track record of independent research and securing external funding. They will join a team which delivers world leading translational and clinical PCD research in collaboration with its European and Global networks. Outstanding research resources are available through the Southampton NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, NIHR Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility and Biomedical Imaging Unit. 

 

Job Purpose

To undertake leadership, management and engagement activities for the laboratory arm of the PCD group, encompassing research and NHS diagnostic services. To develop a new area of basic research, complimentary to the existing clinical and translational research programs of the group. 

 

Key responsibilities

• Research:
  • Plan and lead a research programme to complement the existing translational and clinical research of the PCD group; for example but not confined to, research in the discipline of epithelial cell biology, imaging, molecular biology, or microbiology.
  • Act as principal investigator on projects, responsible for defining original research objectives, developing and managing staff, and attracting funding through bids and reputation. 
  • Develop and sustain a national and international reputation for research, or exhibiting work at other appropriate events. 
  • Engage in external academic activities in accordance with the Academic Unit’s and PCD Group’s research strategy thereby enhancing their national/international research profile, e.g. membership of committees of academic bodies, international networks, external examining, journal editorships, etc.
• PCD Diagnostics:
  • In collaboration with the Clinical Leader of the NHS PCD Diagnostic service, to provide leadership for the PCD Diagnostic team. To manage the laboratory team e.g. line-management, Health and Safety, managing workloads. Support and oversee the application of innovative and creative methodologies and techniques that add to the knowledge/understanding of PCD, enhancing the diagnostic process.
  • To promote University Hospital Southampton as a world leading centre in the field of PCD by regular dissemination and explanation of developments through leading peer-reviewed publications, major conferences etc.
• Manage administrative tasks associated with diagnostic service and research group, including risk assessment of activities, leading meetings and preparation of annual reports.  Management of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely formal reporting and financial control.
• Training and Education:
  • Contribute to the development of teaching and learning activities of the Academic Unit. 
  • Deliver teaching through training and supervision of research students, delivery of lectures, tutorials, practicals and seminars. 
• Additional leadership, enterprise and engagement activities:
  • Contribute to the development of research, teaching and learning strategies in the Academic Unit and Faculty.
  • Provide expert advice and subject leadership to other staff and students, including research supervision.
  • Represent the PCD Group/ Academic Unit/Faculty/University in the disciplinary community externally.
  • Any other duties as allocated by the line manager following consultation with the post holder.

 

Special requirements

• To attend national and international conferences for the purpose of disseminating research results and networking.
• The post holder will be expected to travel to UK national PCD centres on an occasional basis for meetings with the other PCD Centre multidisciplinary teams.
• The holder of this post will be required to hold an honorary contract with UHS.
• The post holder will be a member of a multidisciplinary PCD team.  The team includes clinical doctors, nurses, administrative staff and scientists. Some team members are employed by University of Southampton, others by University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS).
• The post holder should develop collaborations with researchers in other academic units and faculties, as well as relevant external collaborations.
• The post holder will participate in collaborations for education, audit and research with the scientific teams from the other NHS PCD Centres and with collaborators from other countries.

 

The salary range is: 

£49,149 - £61,775 negotiable in exceptional cases. 

Informal enquiries are invited with Professor Jane Lucas: jlucas1@soton.ac.uk.