This full time MRC-funded post is available immediately on a 3 year fixed term basis, with possible extension thereafter.
The institute
The Living Systems Institute (LSI) is a major new initiative by the University of Exeter, designed to promote interdisciplinary research that transcends the boundaries of mathematics, engineering and the biological, medical and physical sciences.
The post
We seek to recruit a new full-time Postdoctoral Research Fellow to study the mechanisms of engulfment during phagocytosis. This full-time MRC-funded post in the lab of Dr David Richards at the Living Systems Institute (http://www.exeter.ac.uk/davidrichards) is available from 1st January 2019, on a fixed term basis for 3 years, with possible extension thereafter.
You will carry out an exciting project to develop, implement and obtain time-lapse live-cell imaging of phagocytes engulfing a variety of targets, with applications to a number of medical conditions and the design of microparticle drugs. This will involve using adual-micropipette setup to accurately control the position of both the cell and the target. Research questions will include how the shape and orientation of the target affect phagocytosis, which factors determine the shape of the phagocytic cup, and the role played by actin during uptake. The successful candidate will have access to brand new, state-of-the-art imaging and microscopy facilities and gain experience in the very latest cutting-edge techniques in a fascinating area of research.
This project will be highly interdisciplinary and will be aligned with the aims and objectives of an exciting new research project funded by the MRC "The Fundamentals of Phagocytosis: Integrating Theoretical Models and Experiments". Although not required, there will be opportunity for the successful applicant (if interested) to be involved with the analysis and modelling aspects of this project, so enlarging their quantitative skillset. The project will involve interaction with international partners, and is likely to involve a month-long visit to collaborators in the US.
About you
You will possess a relevant PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study, which may include (but is not restricted to) experimental biophysics, biological engineering, biochemistry, cell biology, chemistry, physics, physiology, or neuroscience.
You are required to be motivated and demonstrate good knowledge of the topic, possess excellent problem solving, interpersonal and communication skills and a collaborative spirit, combined with an ability to think carefully about their research.
To view the full Job Description and Person Specification document please click here.
The department is proud to have a Bronze Athena SWAN award in recognition of their commitment to providing equality of opportunity and advancing the representation of women in STEM/M subjects. All of the University of Exeter's STEM/M departments hold an Athena SWAN award.
The University of Exeter is an equal opportunity employer. We are officially recognised as a Disability Confident employer and an Athena Swan accredited institution. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented in the workforce.
For more information and to apply, click here
