Faculty of Medicine and Health
School of Medicine
Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Medicine (LICAMM)
Division of Cardiovascular & Diabetes Research
Research Assistant
Fixed term (to commence as soon as possible, until 30 September 2015)
Full Time
Successfully awarded by the National Centre for the Replacement Refinement & Reduction of
Animals in Research (NC3Rs) co-funded by the Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research
Council (BBSRC), this post is in collaboration between the University of Leeds, Queen Mary
University of London and Kirkstall Ltd and will be based in the laboratories of Dr Sikha Saha in the
Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine (LICAMM) and Professor Gin Jose in
the Institute for Materials Research (IMR).
The project seeks to develop a three dimensional (3D) in vitro blood–brain barrier (BBB) model
within the Kirkstall Quasi-Vivo culture system, which allows multiple cell types to be cultured in
inter-connected chambers. Real time tracking of solutes across the BBB will be undertaken using
a novel combination of laser and electrochemical biosensor based interrogation. The project is
multidisciplinary and involves cell culture, electrochemical and laser sensing, imaging, biochemical
and molecular-biological studies therefore experience in at least some of these methods is
essential. You should have a PhD in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology or Biochemistry although
applications will be accepted from candidates who have recently submitted or will submit their PhD
by January 2015 and are awaiting results.
The University of Leeds is committed to providing equal opportunities for all and offers a
range of family friendly policies (http://hr.leeds.ac.uk/homepage/4/policies). The University
is a charter member of Athena SWAN and holds the Bronze award. The School of Medicine
gained the Bronze award in 2013. We are committed to being an inclusive medical school
that values all staff, and we are happy to consider job share applications and requests for
flexible working arrangements from our employees.
University Grade 6 (£25,513 - £30,434 p.a) depending on qualifications and experience.
Informal enquiries regarding the post should be directed to Dr Sikha Saha,
telephone +44 (0) 113 343 4817 or email; s.saha@leeds.ac.uk.
If you have any specific enquiries about your online application please contact Sou Sit
Chung, telephone +44 (0) 113 343 9177 or email; licamm-hr@leeds.ac.uk
Job Ref: MHLCM1013
Closing Date: 10 December 2014.
Interviews will be held during week commencing 15 December 2014.
Job Description
Purpose of the Post
The project aims to establish a 3D BBB model using different BBB cell types. The model will
incorporate cutting edge electrochemical and laser sensors to measure the functionality and
quantititative assessment of molecules/ transporters across the barrier. The model will also be
tested by using immunohistochemistry combined with confocal microscopy and biochemical and
molecular biological techniques.
Background
The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a highly organised microvasculature system composed of
different cell types including brain endothelial cells, pericytes and astrocytes. Disruption of the
BBB results in various brain diseases including stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. At the interface
between blood and the brain, endothelial cells are “stitched” together by tight junctions, which are
composed of transmembrane proteins. Astrocyte cell projections surround the endothelial cells of
the BBB, providing biochemical support to those cells. Understanding of BBB integrity and
maintenance is, therefore, essential to developing measures for preventing its disruption and also
for effective drug delivery to the brain. The present project aims to develop a three dimensional
(3D) in vitro BBB construct within the Kirkstall Quasi-Vivo culture system, which allows multiple
cell types to be cultured in inter-connected chambers. Real time tracking of solutes across the
BBB will be undertaken using a novel combination of laser and electrochemical biosensor based
techniques. The experiments will be performed in well-equipped laboratories within LICAMM. The
laser sensor work will be performed in the Institute for Materials Research (IMR).
The post-holder will be expected to play a full role in the cardiovascular grouping within
LICAMM, liaise with other consortia (Queen Mary University of London and Kirkstall Ltd) and
contribute to research and laboratory meetings reflecting the collaborative work undertaken by
Dr Sikha Saha, Professor Gin Jose and other researchers in LICAMM, NHS and IMR. The
research group comprising basic scientists, clinicians and engineers focuses on exploring the
underlying mechanisms of stroke and vascular diseases and developing diagnostic and
therapeutic tools for combating these diseases.
The post-holder will work within an environment of state-of-the-art multidisciplinary research
supported through the University’s Multidisciplinary Cardiovascular Research Centre
(www.cardiovascular.leeds.ac.uk).
Main Duties & Responsibilities
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Playing an active part in the research team, actively engaging in the cardiovascular
grouping within LICAMM and IMR, liaising with other consortia (eg Queen Mary University
of London and Kirkstall Ltd) and contributing to research and laboratory meetings
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Working in a highly organised and effective way as part of a collaborative research project
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Staying abreast of changes in the field, including relevant research literature by a process
of self-directed enquiry
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Managing and analysing study data
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Preparing initial drafts of reports including preparing results for publication in refereed
journals
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Generating research output and contribute to the generation of independent and original
ideas, in the appropriate subject area
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Maintaining an awareness of the health and safety risks in the work environment and
contributing to COSSH assessments as appropriate.
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Contribute to the design and conduct of a successful programme of investigation in
consultation with the consortia leaders and/or academic/ industrial partners, as appropriate
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Evaluating methods and techniques used and results obtained by other researchers and
relating such evaluations appropriately to your own work.
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Managing the project’s progress on a day to day basis. Contributing to the team’s longer
term strategic development and planning, using creativity to provide input into the
development of research objectives and proposals and contributing to problem solving
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Summarising research outputs/plans clearly and concisely in written reports (supported in
full by experimental data in publishable format)
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Communicating and presenting research results through publication or other recognised
forms of output for a variety of audiences
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Contribute to the supervision of PhD students and visiting researchers within the laboratory,
including training them in using equipment and basic research techniques as appropriate
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Build on internal and external contacts and participating in networks (including research
meetings and conferences) for the exchange of scientific information
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Assisting with any other duties of a similar nature that are delegated by senior staff
members
Relationships
The post-holder will report to Dr Sikha Saha in the Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Medicine (LICAMM), through whom he/she is responsible to the Head of Division of
Cardiovascular & Diabetes Research, through whom are accountable to the Head of Institute, the
Dean of the Medical School, and ultimately the Dean of the Faculty.
University Values
All staff will be expected to operate in line with the university’s values and standards, which work
as an integral part of our strategy and set out the principles of how we work together. More
information about the university’s strategy and values is available at
http://www.leeds.ac.uk/comms/strategy/.
Person Specification
Essential:
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PhD in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology or Biochemistry. Applications will be accepted
from candidates who have recently submitted or will submit their PhD by January 2015 and
are awaiting results
Experience in BBB cell culture (including human cell lines and primary culture) with some
experience in 3D cell culture/ co-culture
Experience in western blotting, ELISA, real time PCR, immunohistochemistry and
confocal microscopy
Experience in cell viability, permeability and toxicity Assays
Experience in laser spectroscopy and/or optical fibre sensors
Excellent presentational skills with experience of presenting reasoned arguments
Proven track record of maintaining accurate laboratory notebooks professionally to underpin
publications
Proven ability to summarise research outputs/plans clearly and concisely in written report
(supported in full by experimental data in publishable format)
Experience of working with limited supervision and of giving supervision to research
students
Demonstrable evidence of contribution to the preparation of publishable manuscripts
A sustained and demonstrable record of problem solving
Knowledge and experience in using appropriate computing and software(e.g. windows,
abode Photoshop, statistical analysis software)
A demonstrable understanding of the broader issues relating to the management of
research
Commitment to and enthusiasm for multidisciplinary research with potential biomedical
applications
Demonstrable communication skills (written and oral) and interpersonal skills.
Good time management and ability to plan and implement objectives effectively without
close supervision.
Evidence of being able to build, maintain and develop effective working relationships as a
member of a team, being an ambassador for the Institute, inside and outside the University.
Proven aptitude for learning new skills and approaches and a commitment to own
continuous professional development.
Desirable:
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An interest in the field of blood brain barrier, stroke, neurodegenerative diseases and
optical sensors
A track record of peer-reviewed publications satisfactory for this level of post.
A Home Office (HO) personal licence and experience in working with murine models
Further Information
Faculty Information
With more than 6,000 students, 1,600 staff and annual research income of £50m, the Faculty of
Medicine and Health at Leeds is bigger than some universities. Leeds has one of the largest
medical and bioscience research bases in the UK, and is an acknowledged world leader in cancer,
cardiovascular, psychiatric, genetic, musculo-skeletal and health services research. Treatments
developed in Leeds are transforming the lives of people around the world living with conditions
such as HIV, TB, diabetes and malaria.
The School of Medicine
The School of Medicine at the University of Leeds is a major international centre for research and
education. Our ambition is to improve health and reduce health inequalities, locally and globally,
through excellent scientific research and the translation of that research into healthcare practice,
and through the education of future scientific and clinical leaders who will advocate and practise
an evidence-based approach. Our major strategic aims are to:
 Deliver outstanding research including basic discovery science through to applied health
research that makes a significant difference to health.
 Produce exceptional graduates, clinicians, educators, doctoral and post-doctoral fellows
whose learning has been informed and inspired by our research excellence and who will
form the next generation of academic and clinical leaders.
 Develop and support knowledge transfer activities that flow from our academic activities.
 Create and maintain an efficient and sustainable environment for research and teaching
within an organisational culture and management style that enacts and supports the
university’s core values of community, inclusiveness, integrity and professionalism.
The School of Medicine is organised into seven Institutes. All are committed to high quality
research-led teaching, through their training of postgraduate research students, delivery of
postgraduate taught courses, and its leadership in undergraduate teaching. The School works
closely with the local NHS, having a number of jointly funded clinical posts to ensure this
relationship is effective and strong for both research and student education.
Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Medicine (LICAMM)
Director: Professor Mark Kearney
LICAMM integrates basic and clinical scientists with a common goal of understanding the
mechanisms underpinning common chronic diseases of human health and developing new
approaches to treating patients at an individual and population level. At the heart of LICAMM’s
philosophy is a vibrant multidisciplinary approach to science that provides a platform to deliver
internationally competitive translational research and teaching in disorders including
cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases) our key aim is to
improve the lives of our patients and the experience of our students.
Leeds Institute of Health Sciences (LIHS) Director: Professor Tim Ensor
LIHS delivers problem-driven research that supports decisions about the content or delivery of
healthcare. Our interdisciplinary approach incorporates expertise in applied health research
designs, health implementation sciences, social sciences, health economics, informatics and
statistics, as well as skills in communicating with basic scientists, policy makers, healthcare
providers, public and patients. We conduct research at the individual, population and
organisational level.
Leeds Institute of Medical Education (LIME) Director: Professor Trudie Roberts
LIME provides the administrative support, co-ordination and leadership for the School of
Medicine’s undergraduate medical degree, including admissions, curriculum development,
assessment, student support and clinical placement liaison. It provides the technology-enhanced
learning and innovation support for the School of Medicine. LIME also has a very active
scholarship programme of research and innovation in medical education and uses its expertise to
influence medical education policy and practice nationally and internationally. To achieve this it
works with a range of stakeholders including the academic community, the profession, the public,
regulators and policy makers.
The Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology (LICAP) Director: Professor Tim Bishop
The Leeds Institute of Cancer Studies and Pathology addresses both laboratory based and clinical
research into cancer with a major focus on translational science. LICAP is one of the largest
cancer Institutes in the country and has major financial support from the cancer charities. The
laboratories and clinical research are all based on the St James’s site with laboratory activities
being located in the Wellcome Trust Brenner Building and adjacent buildings while the clinical
work is based within Bexley Wing. The Institute consists of seven Sections with the following
interests:
Leeds Institute of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (LIBACS)
Director: Professor Philip Hopkins
LIBACS undertakes clinically-driven research from the level of the gene through cellular, tissue
and organ to clinical trials. Our vision is to develop a sustainable centre of excellence for the
advancement of patient care by translating research results into clinical practise and contributing
to medical education at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Our research interests are
encapsulated in 6 clinical themes (Gastrointestinal inflammation & tumorigenesis, Genetic
disorders, Infection & immunity, Neuroscience, Perinatal medicine, Perioperative outcomes &
technologies) underpinned by 4 generic science technology strands (Animal models, Cell biology,
Gene regulations & Genomics). We are based predominantly at the St James’s University
Hospital site.
Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine (LIRMM)
Director: Professor Paul Emery
LIRMM is dedicated to improving diagnosis, therapy, intervention and outcome across the
spectrum of rheumatic and musculoskeletal medicine. It boasts a dynamic portfolio of research
and education, delivering wide-ranging clinical, translational and basic research across five
Sections: Clinical Musculoskeletal Medicine, Experimental Musculoskeletal Medicine, Clinical
Biomechanics and Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation Medicine and Orthopaedics. A multidisciplinary approach is the core of our activities, with significant interdisciplinary links between
Experimental and Clinical research. LIRMM’s clinical activities are focussed at Chapel Allerton
Hospital, which is also base for our NIHR Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit (LMBRU)
and our basic sciences at St James’s University Hospital.
Leeds Institute of Clinical Trials Research (LICTR) Director: Professor Julia Brown
LICTR delivers innovative design, delivery and knowledge transfer in clinical trials research. Our
multidisciplinary approach, in collaboration with basic scientists, clinicians, policy makers,
healthcare providers, public and patients and University colleagues, delivers internationally
competitive research and teaching that makes a significant contribution to the evidence base for
healthcare delivery. The Institutes research is conducted through the Clinical Trials Research Unit
where we have expertise in design and conduct of complex clinical trials incorporating novel
designs to evaluate CTIMPs, complex interventions, diagnostics, medical devices and surgery.
St James’s University Hospital Campus Infrastructure and Facilities (SCIF)
Director: Professor Pam Jones
This group covers activities that cover School of Medicine functions for Institutes at St James’s
University Hospital that span more than one institute including biomedical research facilities,
student education, IT, health and safety, estates, seminars, PGR studentships and business
support functions. These functions help support the 5 adjacent buildings on the site.
There are 3 Institutes with staff and students at St James’s: LICAP (Leeds Institute of Cancer
studies and Pathology), LIBACS (Leeds Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences), LIRMM
(Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine). These three institutes are
dedicated to basic, translational, clinical and health research integrated with student education.
Additional Information
Terms and Conditions
Details of the terms and conditions of employment for all staff at the university, including
information on pensions and benefits, are available on the Human Resources web pages
accessible via the links on the right hand side, or at http://hr.leeds.ac.uk/policies.
University Teaching and Research Award
The Senate of the University has agreed that all newly appointed staff with a contract of 0.5 FTE
and above who have a teaching/ research role and are deemed new to teaching or research in
Higher Education should be required to complete successfully all of the requirements of the
University of Leeds Teaching and Research or an appropriate alternative. Whether or not this
applies to you will be decided as part of the appointment procedure at interview.
Further details of the ULTRA are available at http://www.sddu.leeds.ac.uk/sddu-ultra.html.
Staff with contracts of less than 0.5 FTE may take the ULTRA provided that they have a broad
enough range of teaching, research and assessment to complete the requirements of the
Programme: this will be decided in conjunction with the School and the course providers.
Disclosure and Barring Service checks
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check is not required for this position. However,
applicants who have unspent convictions must indicate this in the ‘other personal details’ section
of the application form and send details to the Recruitment Officer
Disabled Applicants
The post will be mainly based in Level 10 Worsley Building with some work carried out in the
LIGHT Laboratories, Clarendon Way. Disabled applicants wishing to review access to the building
are invited to contact the department direct. Additional information may be sought from the
Recruitment Officer, email; disclosure@leeds.ac.uk or tel. + 44 (0) 113 343 1723.
Disabled applicants are not obliged to inform employers of their disability but will still be covered
by the Equality Act once their disability becomes known.
Further information for applicants with disabilities, impairments or health conditions is
available in the applicant guidance.