Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Full-time: 35 hours per week 

Fixed term: 3 years

The Opportunity:

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Emmerson lab within the Institute for Regeneration and Repair at the University of Edinburgh. This three year, BBSRC-funded postdoctoral research associate (PDRA) position will focus on exploring the role of macrophages during salivary gland development. The project aims to ascertain how macrophages influence salivary gland development and branching morphogenesis and to interrogate the nature of macrophage cellular crosstalk during glandular development.

The post-holder will use transgenic mouse models which exhibit macrophage deficiency, together with a range of techniques, including multiple novel transgenic reporter animals, single cell and spatial transcriptomics, high-resolution imaging, advanced flow cytometry (>18 parameters), microdissection and ex vivo tissue culture. Furthermore, the post-holder will undertake transcriptional data analysis and ligand-receptor analysis. Analysis of human foetal tissue will be used to confirm the relevance of murine studies. The PDRA will be expected to produce high quality original research and use effective communication skills to disseminate data in written and oral form. The Institute for Regeneration and Repair at the University of Edinburgh is considered a world-leading institute for macrophage biology research and developmental biology. The successful candidate will join a growing, dynamic and supportive group in a thriving and exciting research institute.

This post is full-time (35 hours per week); however, we are open to considering flexible working patterns. We are also open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working.

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

Note that there will need to be the spinal point ‘cap’ on the salary for this role of UE07, spinal point 35 - £44,746 per annum. I.e. any appointment above this spinal point may result in reduction of contract length.

Your skills and attributes for success: 

• Demonstrated focus and ability to lead on and complete research projects, and motivation to deliver high quality science
• Proficiency in in vivo experiments, maintaining transgenic mouse colonies and tissue harvesting; evidence of expertise in flow cytometry and immunofluorescent imaging, and experience in single cell experiments
• Ability to take a leading role in the programme of work; and examples of initiative, creativity and effective organisational skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Desire to contribute to future funding bids and grant writing, and/or desire to apply for own funding

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