Summary of Job Purpose and Principal Duties:

Applications are invited for an exciting opportunity to investigate how tissue-resident intraepithelial T lymphocytes protect the gut from pathogenic infection. The postdoctoral position will be in the growing, dynamic and supportive laboratory of Dr. Mahima Swamy (https://www.ppu.mrc.ac.uk/research/principal-investigator/mahima-swamy).
We are seeking a creative and motivated individual to undertake exciting and cutting-edge research aimed at understanding the functions of these important but poorly understood unconventional lymphocytes and the unique signalling pathways they employ in their communication with infected epithelial cells to direct the immune response in the gut. The research will involve use of novel mouse models that have been made in the lab, cutting-edge quantitative proteomics and phospho-proteomics, tissue imaging and multi-dimensional cytometry. The findings of these studies will have clear implications not only for infectious diseases, but also for inflammatory bowel diseases and coeliac disease.

Candidates with interests in one or more of the following areas: immunology, intestinal inflammation, intestinal pathogens including Salmonella, Listeria, Toxoplasma, and/or infection studies are encouraged to apply. The candidate should have a strong background and experience in intestinal or immunology research and experience with in vivo models and/or high-resolution microscopy. It is expected that the candidate will be outgoing and creative in utilising the resources and expertise available to pursue the research objectives. The candidate will benefit from the cutting-edge managed facilities in cell biology, in vivo models, flow cytometry, imaging and proteomics available within the School of Life Sciences.

This position is available for 3 years in the first instance, starting in September 2020. Candidates are encouraged to apply for postdoctoral fellowships. Informal enquiries may be directed to m.swamy@dundee.ac.uk.

Appointment as a Postdoctoral Research Assistant on the Grade 7 salary scale is dependent upon you having been awarded a PhD. An appointment may be considered if you are shortly expected to be awarded a PhD. The initial appointment would be made as a Research Assistant on the Training Grade 7 salary scale (Spinal Point 25 - 28 £29,176 - £31,866).

Candidate Requirements:

• PhD (or final stages of PhD) in a relevant biological subject with research experience in immunology and in vivo models.
• Strong academic track record with at least one good quality first author publication or manuscript under review.
• Ability to work independently and be pro-active, and capable of interacting well within a group.
• Excellent communication skills and proficiency in English.

MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit (PPU):

This project will be performed in the MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit (MRC-PPU), (https://www.ppu.mrc.ac.uk/) within the School of Life Sciences (http://www.lifesci.dundee.ac.uk/) at the University of Dundee. The MRC-PPU is in a beautiful location overlooking the estuary of the River Tay and provides a multinational and dynamic work environment. The School of Life Sciences is one of the premier Life Sciences research centres in the world, with outstanding laboratory and technology facilities.

The University of Dundee is committed to the highest standards of care and welfare in work with animals. It endorses the ARRIVE guidelines on the reporting of in vivo experiments and is a signatory to the Concordat on Openness in Animal Research.

The University's statement on the use of animals in research can be found here: https://www.dundee.ac.uk/research/governance-policy/policyroadmap/statement-on-use-of-animals/

How to apply:

To apply on-line please visit:https://www.dundee.ac.uk/hr/uodrecruitment/jobvacancies/

The University of Dundee is a diverse community and is committed to equality of opportunity for all by providing a supportive, flexible and inclusive working environment. We have family friendly policies, staff groups for LGBT and BME; and prayer room facilities.

The School of Life Sciences holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award https://www.dundee.ac.uk/equality-diversity/athenaswan/awards/ which recognises the promotion of gender equality and has made further commitment to advancing inclusive culture which supports and encourages all under-represented groups.

The University of Dundee is a Scottish Registered Charity, No. SC015096.