Research Associate

The role

You will be a post-doctoral researcher to drive forward a translational program of ocular gene therapy for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) at the University of Bristol, working with Dr Jian Liu and Prof Andrew Dick.

You will lead the project and undertake cell-based studies, molecular and transcriptomic assessments, and viral-based gene delivery for therapeutic evaluation. You will be supervised and supported in post by the PI and co-Is and will join the wider academic community of the Ophthalmology research group at the University of Bristol which has diverse interests in ocular immunology and clinical links to the Bristol Eye Hospital.

What will you be doing?

• Organise, co-ordinate and perform laboratory research experiments. This will include molecular biology (including next-generation sequencing), in vitro (cell line, primary cells and human explant cultures) and in vivo work (mouse models of AMD)
• Contribute/Lead writing articles that will be published in high quality peer reviewed journals
• Liaison with related external collaborations (academic and industrial partners)
• Provide support to other studies and members of the research group
• Contribute to the life of the Unit, School and University
• Be responsible for the day-to-day management of the project. You will establish a robust system for project management that addresses all aspects of the research
• Provide regular progress reports and assist in the production of study report. Keeping the project to time and budget and preparing reports based on the study’s findings

You should apply if

• You are excited about undertaking research that can ultimately help patients with sight loss
• You have a track record of excellence in research and strong project management skills
• You have demonstrable experience in some of the following research areas: Molecular biology experience and the use of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, AAV gene therapy, and retinal research including experimental animals and/or human samples
• You can build strong, effective relationships with a range of people from different sectors and levels of seniority
• You have excellent communication skills and can clearly articulate verbally and in writing.
• You are someone who can get up to speed quickly, thrives on digesting lots of information, is mindful of competing priorities, and can drive activity forward in a sustainable manner.

Additional information

Contract type: Open ended with funding until 24/04/25

Shift pattern: 35 per week / 1FTE

This advert will close at 23:59 GMT on 04/04/2023

For any informal enquiries please contact Jian Liu: jian.liu@bristol.ac.uk or Andrew Dick andrew.dick@bristol.ac.uk

We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.

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