Research Fellow - Clinical and Experimental Sciences

Applications are invited for a full-time fixed term Research Fellow position until 29/08/2023 to work on a study funded by the Medical Research Council at Southampton General Hospital. You will undertake research to investigate the role of the lipid presenting CD1 family of proteins and their unconventional T cell responses in human TB infection with the aim of enabling innovative future immunotherapies for TB.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health pandemic, killing more people than any other infection, and is becoming increasingly resistant to the antibiotics used to treat it. Unfortunately, despite major research programmes over the last two decades, recent outcomes of novel conventional interventions for TB have been disappointing.

The project investigates the role of the lipid presenting CD1 family of proteins and their unconventional T cell responses in human TB infection. This is an underexplored area of immunology that aims to improve our understanding of basic molecular and functional mechanisms which would enable innovative future immunotherapies for TB. The project builds on our recent findings on CD1 lipid antigen presentation ( PNAS 2016, PNAS 2017 ).

You will use conventional immunological assays as well as unique assays which have been developed in our laboratory. This project is part of a multi-disciplinary group with colleagues in chemistry, biological sciences and medicine. The study also benefits from close collaborations with colleagues at Kings College and the Crick Institute London, and colleagues at the Africa Research Institute, Durban South Africa. The appointee will be expected to interact closely with these groups to achieve the research goals of the project.

To be successful, you must have a PhD or equivalent professional qualifications and experience in immunology, cell biology or molecular biology. The successful candidate should have a strong work ethic and a strong interest in immunology. Experience in sterile techniques, T cell culture, ELISA, flow cytometry and cell sorting is desirable. Successful execution of cross-disciplinary research is beneficial. Knowledge of protein biochemistry techniques such as chromatography are advantageous. Interpersonal, teamwork and communication skills are essential, along with writing skills.

Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

The successful candidate will join a vibrant multidisciplinary team of researchers in the School of Clinical & Experimental Sciences (CES), Dept. of Infection and Immunity.

Informal enquiries should be made in the first instance to Dr Salah Mansour at s.mansour@soton.ac.uk , tel: 023 8120 6149.

Application Procedure

The application deadline will be midnight on the closing date stated above. If you need any assistance, please call Ita Holmes (Recruitment Team) on +44 (0) 23 8059 9002. Please quote reference 1158819FC-R1 on all correspondence.

We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Please note that applications from agencies will not be accepted unless indicated in the job advert.