Postdoctoral Research Associate in Skin Equivalents Research at Durham University
Posted by Akis Karakesisoglou, on 16 February 2022
| Postdoctoral Research Associate in Skin Equivalents Research: New Molecular, Cellular and Biomechanical Approaches to Skin Model Development Department of Biosciences, Durham University, UK |
The Role
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work on a project entitled:
“Creating tailored cells that form a new family of full-thickness skin models to test skin care products”.
We have gained funds from the Northern Accelerator (a research commercialisation collaboration between four North East Universities) to further develop in vitro skin model and to commercialise the underlying technology.As a collaboration between Drs Akis Karakesisoglou and Martin Goldberg, Department of Biosciences, Durham University we have designed new methodology to generate high quality in vitro full-thickness skin models. The methodology works through using synthetic biology molecular tools that re-program the biomechanical properties of skin cells.
The role of the post holder is to research and implement solutions in the fields of skin tissue engineering, skin tissue/cell biology and nuclear biomechanics. The project will involve the creation and development of tailored skin cells that will be used to generate high quality young and aged skin equivalent cell culture 3D models, then testing and analysing their structural and functional properties, using a broad range of imaging methods, molecular and biochemical analyses and functional cell biology and physiology assays. The postholder will be helped by Drs Karakesisoglou, and Goldberg to find solutions and the candidate will need experience in the above fields to implement the solutions. In addition, you will be part of a larger team that will be involved in business mentorship, the development of novel product concepts and commercialisation.
The post requires good skills in reporting research progress verbally, and in writing.
Responsibilities:
To understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the team or group of people through presentations and discussions that leads to the presentation of research papers in conferences and publications.
To prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include: research sponsors, academic and non-academic audiences.
To publish high quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer reviewed journals and papers for presentation at conferences and workshops under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
To assist with the development of research objectives and proposals.
To conduct individual and collaborative research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
To work with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and other colleagues in the research group, as appropriate, to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.
To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.
To plan and manage own research activity, research resources in collaboration with others and contribute to the planning of research projects.
To deliver training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students as appropriate.
To be involved in student supervision, as appropriate, and assist with the assessment of the knowledge of students.
To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.
To engage in continuing professional development by participation in the undergraduate or postgraduate teaching programmes or by membership of departmental committees, etc. and by attending relevant training and development courses.
To work through the objectives outlined in the grant proposal.
This post has been fixed for 9 months, which is the extent of the currently available funding. However, funding opportunities will be explored to extend the contract beyond this date.
The post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by another colleague. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.
Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post by April 1st, 2022.
The Requirements
Essential Criteria:
Qualifications
A good first degree in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or related discipline.
A PhD (or be close to submission) in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or a related subject.
Mammalian 2D and 3D cell culture techniques.
Experience
Molecular biology techniques, including PCR, DNA cloning, DNA manipulation, purification and analysis, transgene transfections.
Cell biology techniques, particularly sample preparation, and analysis and quantification of proteins by SDS PAGE and western blotting.
Experience in tissue processing (e.g. paraffin embedding, sectioning) and staining.
Microscopy, especially immunofluorescence.
Microscopy data analysis.
Understanding and knowledge of basic molecular cell biology and behaviour.
Experience in conducting high-quality academic research. Use of a range of IT packages including, Word, Excel, Powerpoint and ImageJ.
Demonstrable ability to write material of a quality commensurate with publication in highly-ranked journals.
Demonstrable ability to present research papers at national/international conferences and communicate complex information to specialists and within the wider academic community.
Skills
Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating actively in research meetings.
Ability to work independently on own initiative and to strict deadlines.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Desirable Criteria:
Experience
Experience in skin biology and histology.
Experience in ageing research.
Experience in histochemistry and immunohistochemistry.
Experience in the use of 3-dimensional cell culture techniques.
Experience in tissue engineering.
Experience in viral based transfection.
Experience in CRISPR CAS9 technology.
Understanding of Intellectual Property rights and its protection.
Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals, commensurate with stage of career.
A track record of presenting research at conferences, symposia, or meetings, commensurate with stage of career.
Demonstrable ability to develop research proposals and designs in collaboration with other academics.
Experience of overseeing students with respect to the development of their practical/research skills e.g. acting as a demonstrator; supervising student projects/practical’s.
Skills
Demonstrable ability to plan and manage independent research.
Possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills
How to Apply
For informal enquiries please contact Dr Akis Karakesisoglou:
Email: iakowos.karakesisoglou@durham.ac.uk. All enquiries will be treated in the strictest confidence.
We prefer to receive applications online via the Durham University Vacancies Site. https://www.dur.ac.uk/jobs/
As part of the application process, you should provide details of 3 (preferably academic/research) referees and the details of your current line manager so that we may seek an employment reference.
Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and minority ethnic candidates, who are under-represented in academic posts in the University.
(No Ratings Yet)Post a job
Please note that this link will take you across to the MicrosopyDB site.
If there is an error in your job advert, please notify contact@microscopydb.io
More posts like this
