Postdoctoral Research Assistant

Fixed term 2 years in the first instance / Full Time

Grade 7 (£35,308 - £39,592)

A Postdoctoral Research position is available for a cell biologist, biochemist, or toxicologist to join Professor Roland Wolf ‘s group to investigate in vivo the mechanisms by which air pollution affects human health. The project is a key component of a large multi-disciplinary UKRI/NERC funded consortium entitled “Hazard Identification Platform in Toxicology (HIP-Tox), involving the Universities of Manchester, York, Edinburgh, Birmingham, and Imperial College London.

Over the last decade our understanding of the impact of air pollution on both short- and long-term population health has advanced considerably and there is now an increased appreciation of how low levels of exposure not only affect the cardiopulmonary system but also other tissues such as the brain. In the latter case leading to poor mental health and enhancing the risk of dementia. However, there are still major gaps in our understanding of the most harmful components within the air we breathe and the mechanisms by which they induce their adverse effects. This project involves the use of unique in vivo reporter models of cellular adaptive responses to chemical and inflammation-induced stress to evaluate the mechanisms by which source-specific air borne pollutants impact on brain function; both at a toxic! ological level and in collaboration with the Penning/Meehan teams at the University of Edinburgh, at the level of DNA methylation. Our aim is to provide a relative ranking of the hazard of specific aerosols across the indoor- outdoor continuum, the identification of the causal chemical components driving these adverse health effects and the identification of biomarkers which reflect these.

Who are we looking for:

• PhD in a related subject with a strong background in either: toxicology, biochemistry or cell signalling.
• A strong scientific track record
• Abilitytotravelbetweensitesandcollaboratewith members of other research groups.
• Active Home Office Personal Licence (PIL) and experience with in vivo techniques and genetics.
• An enthusiastic, committed researcher with strong interest in one or more of the following areas: cell signalling, cellular stress adaptive responses and/or brain function and /or toxicology

Preferred skills:

• Experience in immune- and histochemical analysis.
• Experience with in vivo models and colony management.
• Previous experience in lung and brain histology will be an added advantage.
• Exceptional time management, organization and self-motivational skills.

For further information about this position please contact Professor Roland Wolf at c.r.wolf@dundee.ac.uk

The University of Dundee is one of the UK’s leading universities – internationally recognised for our expertise across a range of disciplines in multiple areas including toxicology, cell signalling, immunology and respiratory science. Dundee is located in a beautiful setting overlooking the estuary of the river Tay, close to some of Scotland’s most spectacular mountain scenery. The city is very affordable with a rich heritage in design and technology, that is developing into a major cultural hub. As an internationally diverse institution, we welcome job applicants from all countries and nationalities. Family friendly policies, staff networks for BME, Disabled and LGBT staff, membership of Athena SWAM, as well as a full range of services create an enjoyable and inclusive place to work.

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