UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM
RECRUITMENT ROLE PROFILE FORM
Job Title:
Research Associate/Fellow in Immunology and Biomaterials
School:
School of Life Sciences
Salary:
£25,513 to £31,342 per annum depending on skills and experience
(£28,695 minimum with relevant PhD)
Job family and level:
Research and Teaching Level 4
Hours of Work:
Full-time, 36.25 hours per week
Contract Status:
Fixed-term contract for a period of 24 months starting October 2015
Location:
Division of Immunology, Queen’s medical Centre and Boots Science
Building, University Park
Reporting to:
Prof Amir Ghaemmaghami
Purpose of the Role:
Advanced biomaterials are essential components in targeting drugs to treat infectious diseases and
cancers, realising the potential of regenerative medicine and the achieving medical devices of the
future. A team at the University of Nottingham spanning Engineering, Science and Medical Faculties,
is collaborating with 4 leading international groups to move from existing 2D materials discovery
methods to 3D methods. This post is part of a substantial 5 year funded grant and will focus on
investigating the immune-modulatory properties of different materials using a host of cutting edge
analytical tools and immunological assays.
In the first instance the focus of this post will be focussed on understanding how different
chemistries and topographies influence the phenotype and functional properties of human
macrophages in 2D and 3D. The successful candidate will join Prof Ghaemmaghami’s group and will
be working closely with other project collaborators and partners within the University of
Nottingham, nationally and internationally.
The successful candidate will have proven expertise in working with antigen presenting cells
(particularly macrophages) and performing detailed function assays in 2D and 3D using microscopy,
molecular biology and biochemical readouts. One of the main research themes within the group is
immune modulation through surface engineering and the post holder will be supported by group
members working on synergistic projects (e.g. http://www.immodgel.org/).
1.
Main Responsibilities
Plan and conduct supervised research using recognised approaches, methodologies and
techniques within the specified research area.
This will include but is not limited to:
 Generation and characterisation of different immune cells
 Performing immunological functional assays in 2D and 3D
 Developing new methodologies for assessing immune-modulatory properties of
different materials.
2.
3.
4.
Develop research objectives and proposals for own and/or collaborative research area.
Analyse and illuminate data, interpret reports, evaluate and criticise texts and bring
new insights to research area.
Prepare research work for publication and/or contribute to the dissemination to
relevant groups including external bodies and conferences, resulting in successful
research outputs. Assist in the preparation of scientific reports and publications for the
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
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grant.
Identify opportunities and assist in writing bids for research grant applications. Prepare
proposals and applications to both external and/or internal bodies for funding,
contractual or accreditation purposes.
Build relationships with both internal and external contacts in order to exchange
information, to form relationships for future collaborations and identify potential
sources of funds and/or opportunities for collaboration.
Co-ordinate the operational aspect of research networks, for example, arranging
meetings and updating web sites etc. and contribute to collaborative decision making
with colleagues in area of research.
Work in conjunction with others in the research team to achieve objectives and make
an active contribution to the success of the team. Provide support, guidance and
supervision to other staff, where appropriate in own area of expertise.
Assist in the supervision of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students projects,
fieldwork and placements, as appropriate. To participate in the assessment of student
knowledge and co-supervise projects at Masters level.
Collaborate with academic colleagues on areas of shared interest for example, course
development, collaborative or joint research projects.
Plan and manage own research activity and resolve problems, if required, in meeting
own/team research objectives and deadlines in collaboration with others.
Contribute to the organisation of research resources and facilities, laboratories and
workshops as appropriate. Undertake general laboratory duties such as ordering of
reagents, equipment maintenance, and laboratory housekeeping.
Contribute to teaching, for example through laboratory demonstrations, lectures to
postgraduate workshops and/or delivery of Level 1 modules.
Person Specification:
Qualifications/
Education
Skills/Training
Essential
1. A 1st or upper-second class honours
degree in cell biology/immunology
and a PhD (or equivalent) thesis
submitted/nearing completion or
awarded in cell biology/immunology
or related areas
2. Proven expertise in working with
antigen presenting cells and
relevant skills in their
characterisation using microscopy,
molecular/biochemical readouts and
flow cytometry.
3. A strong commitment to
interdisciplinary research, in
particular between immunology,
biomedical surfaces and material
sciences.
4. Excellent oral and written
communication skills including the
ability to communicate complex
information with clarity and write to
a publishable standard.
5. Strong analytical skills including the
ability to analyse and illuminate
data, interprets reports, evaluate
and criticise texts and bring new
insights.
Desirable
 PhD (or equivalent) in
cellular of molecular
immunology

Working with human
macrophages and their
functional characterisation

Expertise in quantifying
foreign body response and
developing relevant
experimental models

Expertise in working with
multi-cell cultures

Working with platelets

Experience with
biomaterials

Expertise in using high
throughput screening
assays
6. Ability to creatively apply relevant
research approaches/models/
techniques/methods and devise and
manage research programmes.
7. Excellent problem solving, IT and
organisational skills including the
effective deployment of resources.
8. Ability to build effective
relationships as part of a team and
collaborate with others, both
internally and externally.
9. Flexible, proactive and dedicated
approach.
10. Ability to travel within the UK and
overseas.
Experience
11. Presenting work effectively to a
variety of professional and academic
audiences at meetings and
conferences.
12. A consistent track record of
published research in peer-reviewed
journals and writing high quality
reports and papers for publication.
Statutory/legal

First author publications in
high impact factor journals.

Previous success in gaining
support for externally
funded research projects.

Experience of developing
new approaches, models,
techniques or methods in
cellular immunology and
studies involving
macrophage/foreign body
response.

Experience of working on
multi-disciplinary projects

Training and/or supervision
of staff or students.

Flexible approach to new
Methods in research
N/A
Due to the requirements of the UK Border and Immigration Agency, applicants who are not UK or
EEA nationals and whose immigration status entitles them to work without restriction in the UK will
be considered on an equal basis with UK and EEA nationals. Other non-UK or non-EEA nationals
whose employment will require permission to work subject to a resident labour market test may
only be considered if there are no suitable UK or EEA national candidates for the post. Please visit
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/ for more information.
Informal enquiries may be addressed to Prof Amir Ghaemmaghami (amg@notingham.ac.uk), tel
0115 82 30730). Please note that applications sent directly to these email addresses will not be
accepted.
Equality and Diversity
The University of Nottingham has a range of policies to promote equality and diversity in the
workplace which are fully supported and promoted by the School through its Equality and Diversity
Committee. The School welcomes applications from all candidates and you can read more about our
commitment to equality and diversity at http://tiny.cc/UoNPharmEandD
Please quote ref: NEXTGEN-230515.