Faculty of Medicine and Health
School of Medicine
Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Medicine (LICAMM)
Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Full Time
Fixed Term to 31 January 2019
Research Fellow (Biochemist/Biomedical Scientist/Nutritionist)
Are you a biochemist, biomedical scientist or nutritionist interested in joining a team which will
inform future healthcare for pregnant women and their children?
The Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics in the University of Leeds is undertaking a major
research project to assess iodine levels in pregnant women in the UK, and what levels of iodine
might mean in terms of possible health risks during pregnancy and subsequent child development.
We are seeking a biochemist, biomedical scientist or nutritionist with significant laboratory
experience to work on this research project. You will be responsible for the extensive laboratory
analysis of biological samples for the study, including urinary iodine, creatinine and thyroid
hormones. You will conduct and manage the laboratory work, including the day to day supervision
of a technician. You will liaise closely with colleagues in Leeds and Cambridge on aspects of
protocol development and validation. Effective communication and interpersonal skills will be
essential in working with other colleagues in Leeds and Bradford, presenting your research
findings at meetings, disseminating results in peer-review publications, to the funders and to the
public. Your exceptional organisational and time-management skills will ensure smooth running of
the project and timely completion of milestones.
A first degree and a laboratory based PhD in biochemistry, biomedical science or nutrition (or
closely related discipline) are essential. Applications will be considered from individuals who are
nearing completion or have already submitted their thesis. In such cases any offer would be made
subject to successful PhD completion within a specific timeframe.
The post is primarily based in the LIGHT Laboratories, University of Leeds, although visits to other
organisations including Bradford Institute of Health Research will be required.
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 7 (£31,656 – £37,768 p.a.) depending on qualifications and experience.
Informal enquiries regarding the post should be directed to Dr Laura Hardie by email
(l.j.hardie@leeds.ac.uk) or telephone +44 (0) 113 343 7769 or Dr Darren Greenwood by email
(d.c.greenwood@leeds.ac.uk) or telephone +44 (0) 113 343 1813.
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: MHLCM1051
Closing date: 4 February 2016
Purpose of the post
Job Summary
To investigate how iodine levels change during the course of pregnancy and breastfeeding, how
this is affected by diet, associated changes in thyroid size and function, and whether levels of
iodine are linked with increased risk of health problems with particular interest in pregnancy
outcomes, and the children’s fine motor skills and cognitive development.
The research will take advantage of existing samples collected from mothers during pregnancy in
the Born in Bradford birth cohort study, where any adverse pregnancy outcomes are known, as
well as any developmental problems for the baby and in early childhood.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
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Manage and analyse biological samples from Bradford and SCOPE studies applying agreed
quality control criteria, and analysing samples in an appropriate and timely manner.
Set up and validate laboratory protocols for iodine, creatinine and thyroid hormone analyses of
blood and urine samples including quality control measures.
Be responsible for day-to-day progress on all laboratory aspects of the project, spending the
majority of the time in the laboratory, performing experiments.
Continuously evaluate laboratory methods and results obtained throughout the project.
Apply effective time management skills to ensure project milestones are met
Maintain excellent laboratory records at all times, which will be subject to audit
Manage the clinical sample biobank for the study
Contribute to the supervision of a junior research technician and less experienced researchers
or research students, as appropriate and agreed with the principal investigators.
Be aware of the health and safety risks in the work environment and contribute to COSSH
assessments as appropriate.
Liaise with collaborators in Leeds, Bradford and Cambridge as required.
Attend regular project meetings and occasionally visit Bradford and Cambridge sites
Assist with drafting reports and applications to funding bodies and developing papers for
publication in peer-reviewed journals.
Present results at project meetings, meetings with funding bodies and scientific advisory
groups, research conferences and public involvement events.
Proactively participate in the study network involving the principal investigators, coinvestigators, staff in Leeds and Bradford, research nurses and midwifes, external scientific
advisors, university academics and IT staff.
Keep up to date with relevant research in the field particularly relating to iodine and thyroid
function in pregnancy and early childhood development.
Ensure own skills and knowledge are kept up-to-date, and applying this knowledge to their own
research.
Teaching
You may also have the opportunity to deliver a small amount of research-led teaching to
undergraduates and/or postgraduates.
Relationships
The post-holder will report directly to Dr Laura Hardie (Molecular Epidemiologist, joint Principal
Investigator) on a day-to-day basis with input from Dr Darren Greenwood (Senior Statistician and
joint Principal Investigator), through whom he/she is responsible to the Head of Division of
Epidemiology & Biostatistics, the Head of Institute, the Dean of the Medical School, and ultimately
the Dean of the Faculty.
Person Specification
Essential
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A PhD in biochemistry, biomedical science or nutrition (or closely related discipline).
Applications will be considered from individuals who are nearing completion or have already
submitted their thesis. In such cases any offer would be made subject to successful PhD
completion within 6 months of commencing the post.
A first degree in a relevant discipline (eg biochemistry, biomedical sciences or nutrition.)
A track record of biomedical research using a range of laboratory based techniques, which
ideally might include ELISA and mass spectrometry.
Evidence of a capacity to evaluate methods and techniques, put in place quality assurance
measures and to communicate/present research results.
A proven ability to write up results in report and academic publication form, with evidence of
peer-reviewed publication in high quality journals.
Effective interpersonal and communication skills including presenting research findings and
reports at scientific conferences and meetings.
Excellent time management skills and demonstrable experience of completing projects and
prioritising work to meet tight deadlines.
A self-motivated/enthusiastic approach and the ability to work on own initiative without close
supervision.
Demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional development, ensuring own skills
and knowledge are kept up-to-date, and applying this knowledge to their own research.
Methodical approach to work and meticulous attention to detail.
Availability and willingness to work flexibly to meet the needs of the project.
Good computer and information technology skills.
Excellent laboratory recording keeping.
Ability to conduct high volume, repetitive laboratory analyses to achieve study aims.
Desirable
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Experience of working in a high throughput clinical laboratory with quality assurance.
Direct experience of ELISA and/or (ICP) mass spectrometry laboratory methodologies.
A demonstrable ability to work well as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Previous experience of managing a project in a research field including demonstrable
evidence of successfully setting and delivering project objectives.
Experience of analysing nutritional or other biomarkers in a population based study setting.
Background Information
Iodine is a key micronutrient in the diet, essential for healthy growth, and is particularly important
during pregnancy and breastfeeding when demands are increased to support the developing
baby. Many people are thought to lack all the iodine they need, and this is a greater issue during
and shortly after pregnancy when the body’s iodine requirements are greatest. Iodine deficiency
complications are potentially serious for both mother and child. Iodine deficiency can lead to
thyroid enlargement, lower production of important hormones produced by the thyroid, pregnancy
complications in the mother, and impaired growth and developmental problems in babies and
children.
The UK Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) recently issued a statement identifying
gaps in the current evidence base surrounding the iodine status of the UK population. As a result,
the Department of Health asked for research into the current iodine status of women during
pregnancy and during breastfeeding, and how this relates to birth outcomes and childhood
development. Funding to complete this research was awarded to the University of Leeds, in
collaboration with the Bradford Institute for Health Research.
The Born in Bradford birth cohort studies provide a valuable research platform for investigating
today's major research questions and evaluating how health and well-being can be improved. By
recruiting pregnant women and their newborn babies to the cohort, this study offers the potential to
assess the determinants of childhood development and health outcomes, exploring the influences
of pregnancy and childbirth on subsequent health and development, for some of the most
disadvantaged within our society. The Bradford community provides a unique setting for a birth
cohort study exploring the determinants of childhood and adult disease because of its diversity of
population and high levels of ill-health.
Born in Bradford is one of the biggest and most important birth cohort studies in the UK. The
project started in 2007 and is looking to answer questions about factors affecting child
development and health by tracking the lives of 13,500 children from early pregnancy, through
their school days and beyond. The research project will also use information from the SCOPE
birth cohort which recruited pregnant women from other major cities across the UK. We will also
be recruiting a small longitudinal cohort, tracking mothers in greater depth over time throughout
pregnancy and during breastfeeding.
Using the Born in Bradford birth cohort, the research project will focus on providing an up-to-date
estimate of how many pregnant women do not have enough iodine, and what different levels of
iodine might mean in terms of health risks during pregnancy and for childhood development. We
will investigate how iodine levels vary over the course of pregnancy and lactation, how this is
affected by diet, associated changes in thyroid size and function, and what levels of iodine are
linked with greater risk of subsequent health problems. The research will take advantage of
existing urine samples collected from mothers during pregnancy in the Born in Bradford birth
cohort study, where we also know of any adverse pregnancy outcomes, as well as any
developmental problems for the baby and in early childhood.
You can find out more about the Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at
http://medhealth.leeds.ac.uk/info/520/division_of_biostatistics.
University Values
All staff are 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/.
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:
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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 and 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.
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 Philip Hopkins
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) and 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.
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 is located in the LIGHT Laboratories Building, Clarendon Way. Disabled applicants
wishing to review access to the building are invited to contact the department directly. Additional
information may be sought from the Recruitment Officer, email disclosure@leeds.ac.uk or
telephone + 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.