The University of Leeds Faculty of Medicine & Health calls application for a postdoctoral research fellowship at Leeds Institute of Rheumatic & Musculoskeletal Medicine (LIRMM) in Section of Experimental Rheumatology.

Summary

The post-holder of the Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the University of Leeds will work on developing assays to measure inflammasome particles in cell culture supernatants and biological fluids, mainly sera. Furthermore, the post-holder will, in collaboration with Dr. Doffinger, work on developing assays for the detection of novel autoantibodies, including anti-ASC antibodies, which potentiate the activity of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Lastly, we will have access to sera and cells from patients across the ImmunAID consortium (15 different centers across the EU), to validate the assays and help with the development of relevant biomarkers. The post-holder will support the management of the research group, specifically dedicated to this project, consisting of a Clinical Fellow, and one Ph.D. student (in 2nd years), as required.

Responsibilities

Candidates on this Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the University of Leeds will:

• Work independently to develop and enhance the project experimental plan, Develop methods and techniques applicable to your own work, and for widespread dissemination. Additionally, evaluate methods and techniques used and results obtained by other researchers and to relate such evaluations appropriately to own work.
• Take responsibility for the day-to-day running of your area of the project including the budget and co-ordinate work with other internal and external collaborators. Identify additional resources to effectively deliver the project work.
• Prepare reports for your supervisors and for team meetings to report progress, agree on future work, and exchange data/experience.
• Working as part of a larger team of researchers, engage in knowledge-transfer activities where appropriate and feasible. Develop internal and external networks for the exchange of information and for future collaboration.
• Train undergraduate and postgraduate students in relevant and developing laboratory techniques and co-supervise projects students working within the group.
• Prepare written papers for publication in journals with international standing and presentations to disseminate the research findings to both the academic and clinical communities and to the wider public at both national and international levels leading to high-quality publications in peer-reviewed journals, as appropriate.
• Maintain appropriate databases, keeping accurate written and computerized records and to ensure that these records are stored in a secure place, and to maintain confidentially of all electronically stored personal data in line with the provisions of the Data Protection Act/GDPR.
• Identify other research project opportunities and directions as they arise including assisting with drafting budgets and applications for potential research projects and grants.
• Work within and apply the standard operating procedures, health and safety regulations, and quality assurance procedures of both the Institute and the School and be responsible for the health and safety management of relevant projects and research work.
• Undertake travel to meet with / work with collaborators in Cambridge and Manchester.

Requirements 

• A first degree and Ph.D. (or passed Ph.D. with minor corrections at the point of application) in a molecular biology subject.
• Previous experience of managing a project in a research field including demonstrable evidence of successfully setting and delivering project objectives within strict time limitations and budget.
• Demonstrated experience in molecular biological, biochemical, and cell culture techniques including experience in DNA cloning, Western blots, and ELISA.
• Familiarity with cell biology methods.
• Evidence of having developed independent research skills, the ability to work independently and to organize and prioritize own work (and those of others if appropriate) and maintaining records.
• Computer literacy, including word processing, Excel, and literature searches.
• Ability to interpret scientific literature and incorporate it into the project.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills, including previous experience presenting to an audience and writing detailed reports and preparing data.
• Evidence of an ability to write to a standard required for research reports/publications (at least co-authorship of peer-reviewed publications).
• Demonstrated the ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team involving, technicians, clinicians, students, and research personnel as well as being independent if required.
• Willingness to work flexibly, where necessary, to fulfill the needs of the research project.
• Willingness to travel within the UK and internationally, particularly able to meet/work with European collaborators and spend periods working in their labs.
• Effective data management skills, including knowledge of Data Protection requirements.
• Working knowledge of health and safety issues within the laboratory setting.

University of Leeds

The University of Leeds is a public research university in Leeds, England. Having the motto of ‘And knowledge will be increased’; the university establishment dates to 1874 as the Yorkshire College of Science. It lies in the top 20 in the world for graduate employability. Moreover, the university has affiliations with 6 Nobel Laureates. Furthermore, Leeds was in the 19th position amongst multi-faculty institutions in the UK for the quality (GPA) of its research. Above all, the university is in 93rd position in the QS World University Rankings 2019. Also, it is the fifth-largest university in the UK in terms of student numbers.