Research Associate

About the role

OX40 (encoded by TNFRSF4) and its exclusive receptor OX40L (encoded by TNFSF4), play key roles in pathogenesis of the autoimmune disease, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).  The interaction between these two TNF-superfamily members on the surface of activated T and B cells leads to a strong co-stimulatory signal.   SLE genetic analyses support the conjecture that increased activity of the OX40/OX40L axis drives the disease.  We have shown that serum levels of soluble OX40 and its ligand are elevated in many lupus patients compared with healthy controls.  Several therapeutics have been developed that block OX40-OX40L. 

This proposal seeks to: 

1. explore the clinical utility and biology of soluble OX40 and OX40L; and 
2. to define a subset of patients who would most likely benefit from OX40-OX40L blocking therapeutics and hence support re-purposing of the reagents already available.

The project forms part of an international programme of work defining the roles of OX40 and OX40L in SLE, including juvenile-onset disease.  The post-holder will work within a multi-disciplinary environment, including PhD students as well as master’s and undergraduate students undertaking research projects in the wider group.  There will be close interaction between wet-lab scientists and their analytical counterparts.  The post-doc will be expected to contribute the findings their work with other members of the group, thereby contributing to the overall biological interpretation.  The post-holder will take the lead in liaising with researchers in external collaborating groups to harmonise the genetic, transcriptomic, proteomic, clinical and experimental data for the study cohort. 

This is a full time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract until 31/03/2028.

About You

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

• PhD in Immunology, Functional Genomics, Genetics or related subject
• Extensive experience in designing multi-parameter flow cytometry panels and data interpretation
• Familiarity in designing multi-parameter flow cytometry panels and data interpretation
• Experience in cell culture including the design optimisation of a range of functional read outs such as cell proliferation and differentiation and cytokine levels
• Bioinformatics/statistical skills in annotating candidate functional molecules using gene-set enrichment approaches with R, Python etc
• A high degree of self-motivation and initiative and ability to work both independently and collaboratively within multi-disciplinary teams to meet project deadlines.

* Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6. 

Desirable criteria

• Proven experience working with human blood samples and in harmonising clinical data from collaborating groups prior to statistical analyses
• Experience working in an international functional genomics collaboration
• Experience of working in autoimmune disease environment
• Detailed orientated, in the development of novel experimental systems/research strategies, exhibiting strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• Ability to write high quality reports and manuscripts 

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