Research Fellow in Examining how the presence of obesity in older age modulates skeletal muscle mas

We are seeking a post-doctoral researcher to join a 3-year project funded by the Dunhill Medical Trust, examining how the presence of obesity in older age modulates skeletal muscle mass, quality and function. The appointed researcher will join the group of Dr Leigh Breen in the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Birmingham, and will work closely with clinical and nursing staff in the NIHR/Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility, University Hospital Birmingham. The project will utilise exercise stress testing in combination with dual stable isotope tracer and muscle biopsy techniques to measure muscle protein turnover in lean and obese young and older individuals. In addition, immunohistochemistry, gene transcription, electromyography and magnetic resonance imaging techniques will be used to deliver novel insights.

Person Specification

• A PhD in Physiology, Molecular Biology or Biochemistry.
• Track record in studying skeletal muscle metabolism.
• Experience with the application of stable isotope tracers to study human metabolism and analytical methods including GC-C-IRMS and immunohistochemistry is preferred, but not required.
• Experience of working in a clinical research environment with an older patient population is desirable.
• History of undergraduate and post-graduate student supervision preferred.
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes.