Scientific Researcher | PNAC | Dr Noe Rodriguez | LMB

£42,159 per annum

This is fixed-term position for 12 months to cover a period of family leave.

This is a rolling advertisement and may close early if sufficient applications are received. We therefore encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible. Interviews will be arranged on an ongoing basis as applications are reviewed.

To work within the group of Noe Rodriguez at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB), on a programme aimed at investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating the crosstalk between neurons and immune cells during viral infections and cancer. Specifically, to undertake research to investigate how neurons communicate with immune cells in lung organoids.

This job is a maternity cover to work on a project which is part of a research programme aimed at understating how sensory neurons modulate immune cells at mucosal tissues during inflammation. The investigation will focus on developing in vitro systems (such as mucosal organoids) to study cell communication, dynamics and signalling.

• To undertake research aimed at developing and characterising in vitro co culture systems and organoid models to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating the crosstalk between neurons and immune cells during viral infections and cancer.
• To identify, develop and apply a broad range of techniques to pursue the research objectives.
• To present scientific work at seminars within the laboratory and at external meetings.
• To contribute to laboratory-wide discussions on developments within the field.
• Where appropriate, to draft scientific papers, and contribute to the overall preparation of research for publication.
• To contribute to the LMB’s mission in the public engagement of science, and the translation of research findings into improvements in health care.
• To assist in the training of PhD students and other members of the LMB.

To plan your own work and objectives and manage your experimental work within the project along with your Supervisor.

To introduce and apply new techniques across a wide range of disciplines and to have the creativity and initiative to develop novel approaches and methods where required.

To ensure the research is carried out in accordance with good practice and in compliance with local policies and legal requirements.

To contribute to the smooth running of the group, including the effective use of resources, training of others and taking responsibility for use of communal facilities.

You will report to Dr Noe Rodriguez and will interact and collaborate with other Postdoctoral Scientists, Research Support staff and students, not only in your group, but also across the LMB and with external groups as necessary.

These should include a PhD in a relevant subject (for example neuroscience, neuroimmunology or immunology).

Experience of and ability to perform techniques relevant to the project. Particularly useful would be experience in organoid culture, in vitro primary co-culture systems integrating neurons, stromal cells and immune cells, or similar.

This will include achievements, and contributions to published papers.

• Commitment.
• Originality.
• Ability to communicate.
• Working with others.

This is a maternity cover - in addition to the main maternity cover project the post offers the possibility to explore other scientific questions related to neuro-immune crosstalk. Skills in molecular biology, transcriptomics and flow cytometry would be desirable. Experience in imaging and working with AAVs and mouse models would be valuable.…