Research Fellow in Neuroscience - University of Leeds

Vacancy Reference Number

FBSBM1113

Closing Date

30 Apr 2019

Salary

£33,199 to £39,609 Grade 7 p.a.

Address

Faculty of Biological Sciences: School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds

Duration

Fixed term for 2 years

Contract Type: Fixed Term (2 years (available from 1 April 2019) - due to external funding)

Are you an ambitious researcher looking for your next challenge? Do you have an established background in physiology and neuroscience? Do you have an interest in neurophysiology and metabolism?

Based in a new purpose-built laboratory space, and under the supervision of Dr Beatrice Filippi you will work on a project which aims to understand “the molecular mechanisms behind the development of insulin resistance in the Dorsal vagal Complex (DVC) of the brain”.

The project aims to uncover the cellular events that lead to the loss of insulin sensitivity in the DVC and to the subsequent changes in glucose metabolism and feeding behaviour. This project will apply in vitro techniques such as biochemical assays, RNA trap, mass spectrometry, western blotting (WB), molecular cloning and adenovirus preparation. In vivo techniques will be performed rodents, the rodents will receive DVC stereotactic surgery to implant cannulae for brain infusions to facilitate the localised administration of pharmacological compounds or adenoviruses. Vascular surgeries will be performed for systemic infusions and blood analysis. 

You will perform pancreatic (basal insulin)-euglycemic clamp studies (measuring the amount of glucose the liver releases in the blood) and glucose tolerance tests (measuring how blood glucose levels return back to normal after glucose injection). Using these procedures, you will investigate the effects that DVC insulin sensing and resistance have on whole-body glucose regulation. In addition, you will monitor the effects on body weight and food intake. 

To study the molecular events that causes the development of insulin resistance, you will perform RNA trap to isolate the mRNA and have a snap-shot of the molecules that are transcribed in specific condition in the DVC. You will also use biochemical assays and mass spectrometry to characterise the molecular network that triggers insulin resistance in the DVC.

You should have or be close to completing a PhD in cell/molecular biology, physiology or neurophysiology. You will have practical experience in working with rodents and in performing molecular/biochemical procedures. Knowledge of techniques for RNA detection (e.g. RNA trap) and/or Mass spectrometry would be advantageous. 

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: 

Dr Beatrice Maria Filippi, University Academic Fellow in Neuroscience

Tel: +44 (0)113 343 4424; email: b.m.filippi@leeds.ac.uk

For more information and to apply, click here

Contact Details

Dr Beatrice Maria Filippi: b.m.filippi@leeds.ac.uk
+44 (0)113 343 4424