UE07 - £39,347 - £46,974

College of Science and Engineering / School of Biological Sciences

Institute of Regeneration and Repair   

Contract Type - Fixed Term contract (proposed start date: 1st July 2024 - end date 30 June 2026).

Full time  - 35 Hours Per Week

A Postdoctoral Research Associate is sought by the Blackburn laboratory at the Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh (http://www.crm.ed.ac.uk/research/group/thymus-generation-and-regeneration) to work on the effect of thymus regeneration on T cell mediated immune responses in vivo. This post is part of a collaborative industry-sponsored project which integrates state-of-the-art regenerative biology with immunology and ‘omics approaches.

You will be a high-calibre researcher with PhD or equivalent in immunology, stem cell/developmental or molecular biology.  You will have advanced experimental skills in molecular and cell biology, including cell culture, multiparameter flow cytometry and imaging, and will have excellent organisational and interpersonal skills. Experience in in vivo immunology and a strong interest in understanding dynamic changes in immune system function with age is essential. 

The post will have a key role within this exciting project.  Based in Edinburgh, you will liaise closely with our industry partners to deliver the overall project goals. 

This post is advertised as full-time (35 hours per week). 

The Opportunity:

With life expectancy rising throughout the world, age-related incidence of cancer and autoimmune diseases has become a significant public health challenge. The thymus, the organ where T cells develop, involutes with age leading to poor T cell output. Strategies exist to reverse age-related thymic involution in mice and these lead to better T cell output in aged animals. However, it is not known if rejuvenating the thymus leads to better immune responses. 

You will conduct research to help close this knowledge gap, working on a well-funded, industry-sponsored project under the guidance of a world leader in thymus biology.

Your skills and attributes for success: 

• PhD (or to be completed by June 2024) in an appropriate biological science 
• Proven bench and analytical skills as relevant to this project
• Evidence of strong planning and organisational skills
• Evidence of strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively with colleagues and collaborators.
• Motivation to build a career in the life sciences

Click to view a copy of the full job description 

As a valued member of our team you can expect: 

A competitive salary of £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 staff benefits page (opens in a new tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the total value of your pay and benefits  

The 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 right to work webpages (opens new browser tab)

The University is able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. If successful, an international applicant requiring sponsorship to work in the UK will need to satisfy the UK Home Office’s English Language requirements and apply for and secure a Skilled Worker Visa.

Key dates to note

The closing date for applications is 7 May 2024.

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