Research Fellow in Thermal Physiology

Location: Southampton General Hospital

Fixed Term: For 18 months

Overview

The Thermosenselab within the Skin Sensing Research Group (SSRG) is offering a unique opportunity to deliver research activities as part of a Climate & Health grant funded by the UKRI’ s Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). The research will involve climatic chamber experiments in selected vulnerable groups to refine our understanding of the complex interactions between temperature extremes and physiological and mental health outcomes, focusing on the most vulnerable and those with multiple underlying health conditions. 

Your role

The physiological and cognitive impacts of extreme temperatures are known in general and mostly for healthy populations, but little is known about how impacts differ across the diversity of the UK population; in particular, those with multiple health conditions, including neurological, who are likely to be the most impacted, and for which interventions (e.g. green spaces) are poorly targeted or non-existent. Furthermore, we do not have tools to integrate available data to understand temperature–health risks nationally and at the necessary individual and household level, and therefore how to target interventions. 

As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, you will design and conduct a series of experimental trials in our climatic chamber located within the Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility at Southampton General Hospital, to examine the effects of simulated heatwave conditions on the physiological and mental health status of older healthy participants, as well as in sub-cohort of patients with Multiple Sclerosis. This empirical knowledge will inform the development of user-centred guidance for communities and public health bodies. The vision of our multi-disciplinary project is to transform our understanding of temperature–health relationships in the most vulnerable, but under-evidenced, population groups and identify environmental and community-based approaches to reduce risks under current and future climates.

*Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

What we can offer you

This will be a multi-disciplinary and multi-stakeholder project and will leverage expertise and facilities hosted within the Clinical Academic Facility (CAF) located within Southampton General Hospital. The CAF is a leading centre for clinical and biomedical research, and it will provide a world-class environment for your professional development, as well as avenues for clinical translation. Within SSRG you will be exposed to additional opportunities for further development in research and enterprise, which will contribute to your career progression. 

Expected start date: 1^st September 2024

For informal discussions on the post, please contact Dr Davide Filingeri d.filingeri@soton.ac.uk 

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Further details:

• Job Description and Person Specification

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