Research Associate/Assistant (Fixed Term) -

Vacancy Reference Number

PL30242

Closing Date

1 Apr 2022

Salary

£27,116-£40,927

Address

University of Cambridge

Duration

24 months

Applications are invited for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) position available within Dr David Bulmer's Visceral Pain and Gastrointestinal Physiology lab, at the Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge in collaboration with Dr Tim Raine, Gastroenterology, Cambridge University Hospitals, and Dr James Hockley, Immunology Research Unit, GlaxoSmithKline.

The project will examine the regulation of gastrointestinal sensation by the orphan G protein coupled receptor GPR35.

We are looking for a motivated and innovative scientist to investigate how GPR35 may be targeted for the treatment of pain in gastrointestinal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The project will combine ex vivo electrophysiology recordings of gut nociceptors in mouse and human tissue, alongside cellular imaging, tissue bath studies of gastrointestinal function and molecular biology techniques to study the regulation of visceral nociception by GPR35. More information about the lab is available at https://www.phar.cam.ac.uk/directory/Bulmer. Successful candidates will likely have demonstrable experience in these techniques.

This project brings together a cross-disciplinary team of academic, clinical and industry experts to investigate the role of GPR35 in visceral pain. The successful applicant (based at the University of Cambridge) will have the opportunity to work with a diverse and vibrant team at GSK's Global Research and Development Site in Stevenage providing further cross-disciplinary training, collaborative working and insight into industrial drug development.

Key duties and responsibilities will include developing/conducting the project, writing up research for publication, managing own research and administrative activities, assisting with student supervision and grant writing.

Applicants should have, or expect to obtain shortly, a PhD in neuroscience or a related discipline. Successful candidates who have not been awarded their PhD by the appointment date will be appointed as a Research Assistant at Grade 5 (£27,116 - £31,406). Upon the award of the PhD the individual will be promoted to Research Associate, Grade 7 (£33,309 - £40,927).