Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Full-time: 35 hours per week 

Fixed term: 12 months 

The Opportunity:

A vacancy has arisen to conduct research in the development of MicroPhysiological Systems (MPS), and, in the context of this position, this will involve evaluation of the integrity of the system to synthesise steroid hormones. The work to be undertaken is an integral component of an exciting research collaboration between the Centre for Reproductive Health (CRH) at the University of Edinburgh (PIs: Professor Hilary Critchley [Professor of Reproductive Medicine, CRH], and, Professor Ruth Andrew [Professor of Pharmaceutical Endocrinology and Director of the Mass Spectrometry Core of the Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility] and Professor Linda Griffith, Professor of Biological Engineering, Director of the Center for Gynepathology Research at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). 

The project overall aim is the development of a comprehensive experimental and computational framework for describing the fate and action of steroid hormones in human MPS, with an emphasis on characterizing MPS systems representing female reproductive pathophysiology including heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), endometriosis, and adenomyosis.

Experience in bioanalytical chemistry, and practical experience and knowledge of small molecular mass spectrometry, with a focus on analytical methods such as LC-MS/MS, will be necessary. Prior experience in the field of steroid biochemistry will be advantageous. The post holder will contribute to the development of new ideas, approaches, concepts or techniques, to the overall direction and management of this research project, and to publishing or otherwise disseminating the outputs of the research.

This post is full-time (35 hours per week)

The salary for this post is £41,064 to £48,822 per annum.

Your skills and attributes for success:

• A PhD or equivalent professional qualification and accumulated knowledge in the field of bioanalytical chemistry
• PhD (or to be completed within 3 months of interview date) in an appropriate field
• Practical experience and knowledge of small molecular mass spectrometry; with a focus on analytical methods such as LC-MS/MS 
• Ability to contextualise and design biochemical experiments 
• Strong planning and organising skills

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