Postdoctoral Research Associate

Contract Type - Fixed Term contract (proposed start date: 1^st 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 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

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