Research Assistant in the NanoImmunology & Molecular Pharmaceutics Group

About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated research assistant to join the NanoImmunology and Molecular Pharmaceutics group, led by Dr. Iris Da Luz Batalha, within the Department of Life Sciences. 

Specifically, the successful candidate will be working on a highly interdisciplinary project, funded by the Raymond Schinazi Award, in collaboration with Prof. David Tosh and Dr. Albert Bolhuis. The project aims to investigate how the metabolism of lung-relevant commensal bacteria influences the ability of the pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa to infect the lungs and how this process might involve the Major Histocompatibility Complex class I-related protein (MR1) and specific T cell populations.

Your role within this project will be as a principal researcher responsible for project deliverables, including:

• Generation and characterisation of stem cell-derived lung epithelial cells, encompassing both wild-type and MR1-overexpressing phenotypes
• Establishment of air-liquid interface (ALI) cultures using the generated lung epithelial cell lines, with and without Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection, for in vitro modelling of respiratory pathogenesis
• Study the impact (or lack thereof) of commensal bacterial metabolism on MR1 presentation in the context of Pseudomonas infection
• Measure the activation of the specific T cell populations as a response to the presence of commensal bacteria and determine whether this was influenced by the overexpression of MR1

Ultimately, the goal is to understand the complex interplay between commensal bacteria, pathogen infection, and the immune response mediated by MR1 and specific T cells, with the potential to develop new therapeutic strategies for persistent lung infections like those seen in cystic fibrosis.

In addition, the successful candidate will be assisting with lab management tasks, including (i) equipment maintenance; (ii) ordering, stocking, and keeping an up-to-date inventory of lab supplies; (iii) maintaining a clean and organised lab environment; and (iv) ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.

Our ideal candidate will have:

• A postgraduate degree in a relevant subject, such as Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacy, Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences, or similar. 
• Lab experience in a relevant research field.
• Hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture, molecular biology techniques, flow cytometry, and bacterial culture. 
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Proven ability to excel at collaboration and teamwork, fostering productive relationships across multiple working groups and institutions.

Further information

Please note, this is a full time, fixed-term contract of 4 months.

For an informal discussion relating to the role, please contact Iris Da Luz Batalha, icdlb20@bath.ac.uk

As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days of professional development pro rata per year.

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