Research Fellow - Department of Inflammation and AgeingGrade 7
Research Fellow - Department of Inflammation and AgeingGrade 7
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£ 36130 - 45413
1 Vacancy
Job Description
Position Details
Department of Inflammation and Ageing School of Infection Inflammation and Immunology College of Medicine and Health
Location: University of Birmingham Edgbaston Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range 36130 to 45413 with potential progression once in post to 48149. As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 7 salary 38249.
Full Time Fixed Term contract up to August 2028
Closing date: 15th June 2025
Background
We are seeking an industrious independent and ambitious postdoctoral researcher to join a threeyear multiinstitutional project aimed funded by Versus Arthritis focussed on developing a novel peptidesiRNA conjugate for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA).
OA is a degenerative joint disorder and a leading cause of pain and disability affecting over 500 million people worldwide. Currently no approved treatments exist that can halt or reverse disease progression. Existing pain relief options are often ineffective or associated with adverse side effects.
Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) have emerged as a promising new class of therapeutics with unique advantages over traditional drugs. Six siRNAbased therapies are already approved for clinical use. However a major hurdle in applying siRNA therapeutics to OA is the efficient and targeted delivery of siRNAs to jointresident cells.
To address this we have identified a cellsurface receptor (referred to here as receptor X) that is highly expressed on chondrocytes and synovial fibroblasts in inflamed OA joints. Our central hypothesis is that conjugating siRNAs to peptides that bind receptor X will enable targeted delivery of diseasemodifying agents directly to affected joint cells.
This project will:
1. Identify optimal siRNA sequences targeting three key genes involved in OA pathogenesis.
2. Develop and optimise peptidesiRNA conjugates for efficient and specific delivery to human OA joint cells.
3. Assess functional outcomes including gene knockdown efficiency siRNA stability offtarget effects and modulation of OArelated biomarkers in human cell and ex vivo tissue models.
4. Evaluate in vivo delivery knockdown efficacy and effects on behavioural pain responses using preclinical OA models.
The appointed person will primarily be supervised by Prof Simon W Jones (Department of Inflammation and Ageing University of Birmingham) but will also work closely with colleagues at the University of Bath (Prof Mark Lindsay Dr Ian Eggleston) and University of Nottingham (Prof Vicky Chapman and Dr Federico DajasBailador).
This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of nextgeneration therapeutics in a collaborative and innovative research environment.
This position will involve the selection and functional screening of siRNApeptide conjugates across multiple human primate and mouse cell lines. We are therefore seeking a highly motivated and organised individual with proven expertise in human tissue processing and cell culture cellular transfection RNA expression analysis (qRTPCR RNAseq) FACS analysis Western blotting ELISA and bioinformatics.
A background or interest in osteoarthritis drug discovery RNA biology or therapeutic screening is highly desirable.
Role Summary
- To lead the laboratory studies on the research grant at the University of Birmingham which will involve the selection and functional screening of peptidesiRNA conjugates across multiple cells types in humans primates and mouse
- To engage and work collaboratively with researchers at the University of Bath and the University of Nottingham
- To analyse and interpret research findings and disseminate results
- To contribute to generating research funding.
Main Duties
The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.
- Analyse and interpret data
- Disseminate research findings for publication research seminars etc
- Contribute to developing new models techniques and methods
- Undertake management/administration arising from research
- Contribute to Departmental/School researchrelated activities and researchrelated administration
- Present research outputs including drafting academic publications or parts thereof for example at seminars and as posters
- Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
- Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
- Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
Person Specification
- Relevant first degree and PhD in the area of biomedical/biological sciences
- Experience of drug screening in cell lines
- Experience of collecting and processing human tissue samples/fluids with familiarisation of HTA guidelines and ethics
- Experience with RNA expression analysis including the isolation quantification and quality assessment of RNA and analysis of expression by qPCR and RNA sequencing
- Experience of primary cell culture and human tissue processing flow cytometry ELISA and WB
- Knowledge and/or experience of determining activity of inflammatory signalling pathways within the inflammatory disease area particular inflammation of the joint
- High level analytical capability
- Ability to communicate complex information clearly
- Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
- Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
- Contribute to the planning and organising of the specific research project
- Coordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
- Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010 and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.
Informal enquiries to Lisa Powell email:
We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyoneon our website.
Employment Type
Full-Time
