Post-Doctoral Research Fellow

Profile

Description:

Post-Doctoral Research Fellow position to study links between extracellular matrix adhesion and cell-cycle progression Based in the Faculty of Health, the Peninsula Medical School is committed to three core aims: outstanding clinical education; strong social engagement; and world-class research which all feature strongly in the student learning experience. A key strength is a close relationship with NHS partners, with early clinical contact for all students. The South West offers healthcare and learning opportunities of exceptional quality; Derriford is one of Europe’s largest hospitals and the only trauma centre in Devon and Cornwall. A further strength is our scholarly approach to education, supported by the Division of Education Scholarship. The Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research is the core of research activity, providing a thriving community that conducts adventurous world-leading research with the explicit purpose of improving the health and care of the populations we serve. Proliferation of cells is a tightly regulated process, with most cells in tissues existing in a reversible non-proliferative quiescent state. Quiescence is a maintained state, but the mechanisms that promote cell quiescence remain poorly understood. Disruption of the balance between quiescence and proliferation leads to loss of tissue function and contributes to diseases including cancer, atherosclerosis, and fibrosis. The extracellular matrix (ECM), the network of proteins that supports and surrounds cells in tissues, is emerging as a regulator of the balance between cell proliferation and quiescence. However, the signalling pathways downstream of adhesion to ECM proteins that promote proliferation or quiescence have not been defined. Understanding how ECM proteins can influence cell quiescence and proliferation will therefore increase our understanding of physiological processes at a fundamental level and identify mechanisms by which normal physiology is disrupted in disease. We are seeking a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow to join the lab in Plymouth for 12 months to undertake a specific research project defining the mechanisms by which ECM adhesion influences cell quiescence and proliferation. This will incorporate the use of a range of techniques including: confocal microscopy, mass-spectrometry-based proteomics, flow cytometry, biochemical approaches, and RNAseq. Main Duties and Responsibilities: Manage and develop the research project, with assistance from mentor Generate, analyse and interpret data Contribute to writing grant applications Disseminate findings via publication, seminars and attending conferences Supervise and provide guidance to students Skills and Attributes PhD (or near completion) in a relevant research area Experience in mammalian cell culture is essential. Lab skills in ECM adhesion, flow cytometry, microscopy, Western blotting, and sample preparation for proteomic and genomic analysis are desirable. Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly. Ability to work independently, but as part of a team working towards a common goal. Excellent record keeping and data management skills coupled with a high level of analytical ability. Please demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement. For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Matthew Jones: by email at matt.jones-32@plymouth.ac.uk Interviews are likely to take place on Monday 20 February 2023 and you will be notified if you have been shortlisted or not. This is a full-time position working 37 hours per week on a fixed-term basis for 12 months due to funding. Flexible working options including job share will be considered. We offer a competitive salary package and a generous pension and holiday scheme. We also offer a range of other benefits, including ongoing development opportunities. The Faculty of Health holds a Silver Athena Swan Award and the University holds a Bronze Athena SWAN Award which recognises commitment to advancing women’s careers in STEMM academia. Staff appointed within the Faculty of Health may be able to join the NHS pension scheme subject to eligibility criteria. The University of Plymouth has a strong interdisciplinary research ethos which is supported by our three strategic Research Institutes; the Marine Institute, the Sustainable Earth Institute, and the Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research. As a member of our academic community, you’ll be expected to contribute to our recognised research strengths. Working holistically across the University, you will be challenged to innovate, collaborate and deliver impactful research contributions as part of a systems thinking approach to addressing today’s global challenges. The University of Plymouth is a diverse, welcoming community where everyone makes a difference and is encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. To find out more about our inclusive community, initiatives such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter and our range of benefits / support mechanisms such as flexible working, staff networks and enhanced maternity, paternity & adoption leave please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages We particularly welcome applicants from under-represented groups such as BAME/BIPOC and LGBT Job Description Additional School Information

Region:

Location:

Plymouth

Salary:

£36,386 - £42,155 per annum - Grade 7

Package:

Full-Time, Fixed-Term

Contractual hours:

37

Basis:

FT Temporary Fulltime All Year ]]>

Based in the Faculty of Health, the Peninsula Medical School is committed to three core aims: outstanding clinical education; strong social engagement; and world-class research which all feature strongly in the student learning

experience. A key strength is a close relationship with NHS partners, with early clinical contact for all students. The South West offers healthcare and learning opportunities of exceptional quality; Derriford is one of Europe’s largest hospitals and the only trauma centre in Devon and Cornwall. A further strength is our scholarly approach to education, supported by the Division of Education Scholarship. The Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research is the core of research activity, providing a thriving community that conducts adventurous world-leading research with the explicit purpose of improving the health and care of the populations we serve.

Proliferation of cells is a tightly regulated process, with most cells in tissues existing in a reversible non-proliferative quiescent state. Quiescence is a maintained state, but the mechanisms that promote cell quiescence remain poorly understood. Disruption of the balance between quiescence and proliferation leads to loss of tissue function and contributes to diseases including cancer, atherosclerosis, and fibrosis. The extracellular matrix (ECM), the network of proteins that supports and surrounds cells in tissues, is emerging as a regulator of the balance between cell proliferation and quiescence. However, the signalling pathways downstream of adhesion to ECM proteins that promote proliferation or quiescence have not been defined. Understanding how ECM proteins can influence cell quiescence and proliferation will therefore increase our understanding of physiological processes at a fundamental level and identify mechanisms by which normal physiology is disrupted in disease.

We are seeking a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow to join the lab in Plymouth for 12 months to undertake a specific research project defining the mechanisms by which ECM adhesion influences cell quiescence and proliferation. This will incorporate the use of a range of techniques including: confocal microscopy, mass-spectrometry-based proteomics, flow cytometry, biochemical approaches, and RNAseq.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

Manage and develop the research project, with assistance from mentor

Generate, analyse and interpret data

Contribute to writing grant applications

Disseminate findings via publication, seminars and attending conferences

Supervise and provide guidance to students

Skills and Attributes

PhD (or near completion) in a relevant research area

Experience in mammalian cell culture is essential. Lab skills in ECM adhesion, flow cytometry, microscopy, Western blotting, and sample preparation for proteomic and genomic analysis are desirable.

Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly.

Ability to work independently, but as part of a team working towards a common goal.

Excellent record keeping and data management skills coupled with a high level of analytical ability.

Please demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Matthew Jones: by email at matt.jones-32@plymouth.ac.uk

Interviews are likely to take place on Monday 20 February 2023 and you will be notified if you have been shortlisted or not.

This is a full-time position working 37 hours per week on a fixed-term basis for 12 months due to funding.

Flexible working options including job share will be considered.

We offer a competitive salary package and a generous pension and holiday scheme. We also offer a range of other benefits, including ongoing development opportunities.

The Faculty of Health holds a Silver Athena Swan Award and the University holds a Bronze Athena SWAN Award which recognises commitment to advancing women’s careers in STEMM academia.

Staff appointed within the Faculty of Health may be able to join the NHS pension scheme subject to eligibility criteria.

The University of Plymouth has a strong interdisciplinary research ethos which is supported by our three strategic Research Institutes; the Marine Institute, the Sustainable Earth Institute, and the Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research. As a member of our academic community, you’ll be expected to contribute to our recognised research strengths. Working holistically across the University, you will be challenged to innovate, collaborate and deliver impactful research contributions as part of a systems thinking approach to addressing today’s global challenges.

The University of Plymouth is a diverse, welcoming community where everyone makes a difference and is encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. To find out more about our inclusive community, initiatives such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter and our range of benefits / support mechanisms such as flexible working, staff networks and enhanced maternity, paternity & adoption leave please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages

We particularly welcome applicants from under-represented groups such as BAME/BIPOC and LGBT

Job Description

Additional School Information

A9258

£36,386 - £42,155 per annum - Grade 7

36386

36386

42155

Academic/Research

Sun, 5 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Plymouth

Full-Time, Fixed-Term

37

FT Temporary Fulltime All Year

Thu, 5 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Company info

Plymouth University
Website : http://www.plymouth.ac.uk