Phd Or Equivalent Qualification Awarded, Or Successfully Completed Their Viva/Phd Thesis

Job Profile

Job Title / Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Microbiology
Dept./School/Inst. / William Harvey Research Institute / Section/Centre/Unit / Centre for Experimental Medicine & Rheumatology; Centre for Diagnostic and Oral Sciences
Career Family / Academic & Education / Grade / 4
Working hours per week / 35 / Appointment period / 2 Years
Reports to (job title) / Heads of Centres / Current location / Charterhouse Square; Whitechapel
Job purpose
We offer the opportunity to join our collaborative teamon an excitingproject investigating the role of oral and intestinal microbiota in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), spanning from microbiology over immunology to inflammatory disease. Specifically, this ARUK funded project aims to identify mechanisms and structures of RA-associated bacteria, which contribute to RA, as well as to isolate and characterise bacterial strains not yet identified that contribute to arthritic inflammation. Initial funding for this project provided by the ARUK is for two years, with the prerogative to apply for longer-term programme funding using data generated during this time.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
Requirements / Essential/
Desirable
Qualifications /

PhD or equivalent qualification awarded, or successfully completed their viva/PhD thesis defense with minor corrections.

Undergraduate degree in relevant subject or equivalent qualification /

Essential

Essential
Experience / Comprehensive knowledge and extensive training in microbiology, ideally holding a PhD in microbiology or a closely related field.
Demonstrable experience in the design and execution of biomolecular research studies with an appropriate publication record.
Experience in the use of animals is of advantage, albeit not critical. However, readiness to be trained in and to take on the responsibilities associated with experimental in vivo investigations and to obtain a Home Office personal license are essential. / Essential
Essential
Desirable/Essential
Knowledge, skills & abilities / Skills to identify, isolate and characterise commensals, pathobionts and pathogens from human and murine samples, including bacterial strains not yet identified.
Extensive skills in DNA cloning, possibly CRISPR technology, and other genetic manipulation of bacterial genomes and in the associated analyses, such as transfections, PCR, DNA sequencing, protein detection, etc.
Broad skills in biomolecular techniques related to DNA, RNA and protein analyses, including but not restricted to sequencing analyses, Western blotting, qRT-PCR, etc.
Ability to autonomously plan and execute experiments.
Ability to devise and optimise new experimental tools and protocols, including troubleshooting and problem solving.
Skills to communicate findings to and collaborate closely with an interdisciplinary team.
Ability to collect, analyse and interpret data resulting from experiments in the biological context relevant to this project. / Essential
Essential
Essential
Essential
Essential
Essential
Essential
Attitude & disposition / Highly committed, self-motivated and able to work independently as well as part of a team.
Flexible and co-operative.
Motivated to contribute collaboratively to applications for grant funding for research as well to apply for own funding within the course of this 2-year project.
Willing to combine already attained skills with new skills to be learnt as required to drive this project forward. / Essential
Essential
Essential
Essential
Other circumstances / Willingness to work flexibly in order to achieve project demands. / Essential
Main Duties and Responsibilities of the Role
Specific Duties

1. The post-holder will develop and assist in the delivery of the main aim of the project as described above.

General Duties
To assist in the running of the laboratory where required and to perform appropriate laboratory duties and to assist in the training of other laboratory workers.

1. To execute experiments.
2. To collect and analyse data.
3. To maintain appropriate databases, keeping accurate written and computerised records, to ensure that these records are stored in a secure place, and to maintain confidentially all electronically stored personal data in line with the provisions of the Data Protection Act.
4. To make research initiatives and original contributions to the research programme wherever possible, and to contribute freely to the team research environment in a manner conducive to the success of the research project as a whole.
5. To prepare reports and scientific publications to disseminate results from the programme of research.
6. To attend and participate in the Centre’s academic activities, e.g. laboratory and journal club meetings.
7. To undertake literature searches to explore potential research projects. To be able to interpret and present the findings of such literature searches and advise the research teams appropriately regarding potential projects.
8. To supervise and train new members of the research team where necessary.

10. To ensure that the research project complies with ethics regulations.

1. To assist in drafting budgets and applications for potential research projects and grants.
2. To keep up to date with scientific and professional issues, in particular developments in the specific subject area.
3. To undertake certain communal laboratory responsibilities (including washing and cleaning duties), the nature of which will be discussed and agreed prior to commencement of the post, but which may need to be changed from time to time during the course of the project.
4. To show a professional attitude to matters of laboratory hygiene, organisation and safety, and to observe and to take an active role in fulfilling all statutory health and safety regulations.
5. To be aware of own limitations and refer problems to the appropriate person.

Other

1. To ensure that all research is undertaken according to Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), College and Trust protocols.
2. To ensure they are fully aware of and comply with the College’s/Trust’s policies and procedures in relation to confidentiality, health and safety at work, COSHH regulations, infection control, safe handling of drugs, and all local safety rules regarding fire, chemical, radioisotope and gene manipulation hazards.
3. The post-holder must carry out their responsibilities with due regard to the College's Equal Opportunities policyat all times.
4. The duties of the post outlined above are not exhaustive, and the post-holder will be expected to be co-operative and flexible, undertaking such administrative and other duties as may from time to time be reasonably expected of a member of research grade staff in a university.

These duties will be subject to review in line with the changing requirements of the Centre, Institute, School or College, and with the development needs of the postholder as identified through regular review/appraisal processes.
Working Environment
The project will be carried out as part of a collaborative effort of two highly accomplished laboratories, that of Prof. Costantino Pitzalis, expert in RA and chronic inflammatory disease at the William Harvey Research Institute (WHRI), and Prof. Mike Curtis, expert in oral microbiota and periodontal disease at the Dental Institute. Both institutes are renowned for cutting-edge research output, a highly collaborative environment and exceptional support for the career development of junior researchers, mirrored by the outstanding track-record of post-doctoral fellowship and early career research funding.
As such, the post-holder will
- be expected to contribute towards the high-level scientific research output of the Centre for Experimental Medicine & Rheumatology (EMR, WHRI) and the Centre for Diagnostic and Oral Sciences (Dental Institute),
- be responsible for executing the programme of work under the general guidance of the Line Manager/Supervisor/PI,
- report research results in form of public presentations at seminars and conferences,
- contribute to writing of publications that summarise research findings in peer-reviewed journals (of high international standing where possible) and to other reports as appropriate,
- undertake other relevant activities related to the project as appropriate,
- carry out other duties as may be reasonably expected by the line manager or Head of Department,
- conduct empirical research as required by the research programme,collect data and undertake any appropriate analyses of data as requested,
- keep accurate written and computerised records and ensure that these records are stored in a secure place, maintain appropriate databases and confidentiality of all electronically stored personal data in line with the provisions of the Data Protection Act,
- keep up to date with subject related and professional issues, in particular, developments in the specific subject area,
- comply with relevant College policies and regulations with regard to financial matters, harassment, equal opportunities, public interest disclosure, health and safety, intellectual property and patenting, data protection or any other rules, regulations or codes binding on the member of staff,
- participate in the College Appraisal Scheme (QMPAS) and demonstrate a commitment to continuing professional development,
The duties of the post outlined above are not exhaustive and the post-holder will be expected to be co-operative and flexible, undertaking such administrative and other duties as may from time to time be reasonably expected of a member of research grade staff in a university.
These duties will be subject to review in line with the changing requirements of the School or College, and with the development needs of the post-holder as identified through regular review/appraisal processes.
Freedom to Act & Decision Making
Responsible for undertaking the programme of work under the general guidance of the Line Manager/Supervisor/PI.
Develop, in collaboration with the Line Manager/Supervisor/PI, such new techniques as may be necessary to achieve the objectives of the research.
Make research initiatives and original contributions to the research programme, wherever possible, and to contribute freely to the team research environment in a manner conducive to the success of the research project as a whole.
Assist in the supervision of student projects, as necessary.
Make research contributions to the research programme wherever possible, and to contribute freely to the team research environment in a manner conducive to the success of the research project as a whole.
Monitor research findings with a view to commercial exploitation, and to inform the Head of Department and Head of Innovation & Enterprise of any appropriate novel research outcomes.
Judgements involving complex facts or situations, which require analysis, interpretation and comparison of data or any other information.
Adopt flexible working practices where required.
Encourage interaction between team members.
Communication & Networking
Exchange information relevant to the project both internally and externally with staff, collaborators, students, senior management and peers.

Internal

Establish and maintain relationships in order to collaborate with researchers and academics in own team, within the department and outside the department within the College when necessary.
To work with students.
External
Work with external collaborators as agreed with the Supervisors.
Providing, receiving and presenting complex information to a large group of people.
Finance/Resource Management
n/a
People Management
Where appropriate to assist the supervision, training, expert advice and / or assistance to new members of the team, research students.
This job description sets out the duties of the post at the time it was drawn up. Such duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or level of responsibility entailed. Such variations are a common occurrence and cannot of themselves justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post.
Organisation Chart