Research Associate in Immunology

at  University of Bristol

YOU SHOULD APPLY IF

You have a PhD in immunology (or be working towards one) and/or have significant research experience working in immunology and with experimental models of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases in mice. Strong candidates will have experience of research involving T cells, investigating immunometabolism, use of immunological techniques (e.g. ELISA, flow cytometry) and/or cutting-edge omics approaches (e.g., RNA-sequencing, proteomics). You should have a proven track record (commensurate with career stage) for conducting and disseminating research, evidenced by publications and presentations in respected journals and conferences, respectively.

THE ROLE

An enthusiastic and highly motivated Research Associate is required to add their expertise to a team investigating immunological mechanisms that promote T cell-mediated pathology in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs). We have identified cytokine mechanisms and altered cellular metabolism associated with pathogenic T helper cell populations that orchestrate tissue damage in inflammatory arthritis. The project will combine in vivo models of inflammatory arthritis and in vitro T cell assays to test key cytokine and metabolic mechanisms as determinants of T cell-mediated pathology. Pre-clinical studies will use mice deficient in key metabolic mediators to determine their role in inflammation and tissue damage. The Research Associate will work as part of a team of academics investigating immunological mechanisms that underpin IMIDs and their comorbidities, and collaborate with industry researchers with expertise in immunometabolism and T cell biology.
The post is funded for 2 years in the School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and is available from January 2025.

WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING?

• Use in vitro CD4 T cell assays to test metabolic mechanisms that determine T cell pathogenic potential.
• Establish models of experimental inflammatory arthritis to determine the role of metabolic pathways in shaping effector T helper cell responses and immune-mediated pathology.
• Perform techniques to assess immune responses, including ELISA, flow cytometry and qPCR.
• Perform RNA-sequencing, proteomics and bioinformatic analysis of cultured and tissue-infiltrating CD4 T cells.
• Analyse, interpret data and discuss results routinely with the research team.
• Make a considerable intellectual contribution to the project and experimental design.
• Maintain a knowledge of the relevant scientific literature and advancements in the field.
• Dissemination of research - writing papers, presenting talks and posters at national/international meetings.
• Contribute to public and patient engagement activities.
• Team working, contributing to research student supervision and training.