Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job title:

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Company

University of Edinburgh

Job description

Job Description:UE07 (£39,347 – £46,974)College of Science and EngineeringSchool of Biological SciencesInstitute of Ecology and EvolutionFull time contract (35 hours per week), (28 hours per week is also an option)Fixed Term (proposed start date: 1 July 24, end date no later than 31 August 26)We are looking for a postdoctoral research associate to join our team to work in the exciting field of ecoimmunology. This post forms part of a BBSRC-funded project titled “Disease susceptibility and gut health in the wild: Determining interactions between diet, gut microbiome, and immunity”. Whilst the project spans immunology, ecology, microbiology and parasitology, we are particularly interested in applicants bringing experience and background in microbiome analysis to join our multi-disciplinary team. This project experimentally tests whether diet supplementation directly, or indirectly, impacts helminth infection through changes in the immune response and/or in the gut microbiota. The team combines interventional experiments in wild mouse populations alongside controlled laboratory mouse studies, to determine what drives diet-mediated improvements in helminth resistance and reductions in host harm. The scope of the post is to conduct laboratory research, contributing to the development of new ideas, approaches, concepts or techniques. The post holder will also contribute to data analysis, publications and other types of research dissemination such as conference talks.The Opportunity:The successful candidate will work as part of a large, interdisciplinary research team, specifically focused on using field interventions in a wild house mouse system – the same species as laboratory mice – to better understand how diet, the microbiome and the immune system interact to shape susceptibility do parasitic disease. The post holder will be leading the microbiome analysis, parasitological analysis, gut pathology analysis and several faecal biomarker analyses, as well as organising, coordinating and conducting fieldwork as part of a team and managing the day-to-day lab tasks. The post holder will receive relevant training and guidance by the PI/Co-I and wider team members to develop their technical and broader scientific skills as well as support with career development.This post will be undertaken in the lab of Amy Pedersen ( ) in conjunction with Iris Mair ( ) in the Institute of Evolution and Ecology at the School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh. The post holder will be based at the Kings Buildings, University of Edinburgh, but the wider project is interdisciplinary, being also supported by Prof. Kathryn Else (University of Manchester).This post is advertised as full-time, but we are open to candidates with other preferences. The start date is advertised as 1st July 2024, but can be flexible. Please get in touch if you are interested and would require a later start date.Your skills and attributes for success:

• PhD (or to be completed within 3 months) in Microbiology, Immunology, Infectious Disease, Parasitology, or Ecology & Evolution
• Experience in obtaining and analysing gut microbiome samples and data
• Animal handling experience
• Willingness to perform 2x 6-week long remote fieldwork each year involving small rodent live trapping, animal handling, and terminal dissection
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of an active research team

Click to view a copy of the full (opens new browser tab)As a valued member of our team you can expect:

• A competitive salary of UE07 (£39,347 – £46,974)

• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options. Check out the full list on our

(opens in a new tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the total value of your pay and benefitsChampioning equality, diversity and inclusionThe University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our (opens new browser tab)The University may be able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. This will depend on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant.Key dates to noteThe closing date for applications is 21 May 2024.Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.About Us: As a world-leading research-intensive University, we are here to address tomorrow’s greatest challenges. Between now and 2030 we will do that with a values-led approach to teaching, research and innovation, and through the strength of our relationships, both locally and globally.About the Team:As the modern inheritors of our 400-year-old reputation for excellence, our staff and students contribute to a vibrant academic community whose visions are shaping tomorrow’s world. The School of Biological Sciences is at the leading edge in teaching, research and innovation. Independent rankings such as the Times Higher Education consistently place us amongst the top 25 universities in the world for biological sciences. We aim to ensure that our culture and systems support flexible and family-friendly working and to recognise and value diversity across all our staff and students. The School has an active programme offering support and professional development opportunities for all staff. We place a particular focus on development for early-career researchers (postgraduate and postdoctoral research staff and personal fellowship holders), offering mentoring and an active ‘BioDocSoc’ organisation that brings together researchers for networking, events and training opportunities.The School of Biological Sciences holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance the representation of women in science, mathematics, engineering and technology.Our contains more information about the School.

Expected salary

£39347 – 46974 per year

Location

United Kingdom

Job date

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 03:37:16 GMT

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