Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medicine
Leeds Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences
Section of Translational Anaesthetic & Surgical Sciences
Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Grade 7
Full Time (100% FTE)
This is an exciting opportunity for you to work in a growing area of laboratory and
translational research, exploring the use of biosensors for screening and disease
monitoring of inflammatory bowel disease, which is common in younger people and the
cause of significant morbidity. The project builds on previous work, which successfully
developed prototype biosensors to biomarkers of colorectal diseases and in intraabdominal sepsis and has now selected evolved affinity proteins recognising calprotectin,
a recognised marker of inflammatory bowel disease activity. The purpose of the current
position is to progress biosensor development to the point of commercialisation and
clinical application.
You will join an active and productive research group comprising a number of clinician
researchers, academic trainees, PhD students, and postdoctoral researchers; focused on
developing new treatments and technologies for clinical application. The research will
involve close collaboration between the Faculty of Biological Sciences (biosensor
expertise) and Leeds Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (clinical translation).
You will have, (or expect to receive shortly), a PhD in molecular and cell biology, some
relevant laboratory experience, and effective interpersonal and communication skills.
Previous experience of biosensor technology would be highly desirable.
Further details of the Institute’s research are available on the website:
http://medhealth.leeds.ac.uk/info/300/leeds_institute_of_biomedical_and_clinical_science
s/
This post is a fixed term contract, available from 7th May 2015 to 31st March 2017
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 (£31,342 – 37,394) depending on qualifications and relevant
experience.
Informal enquiries to Prof David Jayne, tel +44 (0)113 206 5281, email
D.G.Jayne@leeds.ac.uk or Prof Paul Millner, tel +44 (0) 113 3433149, email
p.a.millner@leeds.ac.uk
If you have any specific enquiries about your online application please contact Colette
Cornelly, email c.l.cornelly@leeds.ac.uk tel +44 (0)113 206 9229 or Sharon Collins, email
s.collins@leeds.ac.uk or tel +44 (0) 113 206 6949.
Job Ref: MHBCS1006
Closing Date: 1 June 2015
Job Description
Main Purpose of the Post
The appointed person will work on a growing area of laboratory and translational
research, exploring the use of biosensors for clinical detection of inflammatory bowel
disease, but with possible added application in the detection of colorectal cancer and
intra-abdominal sepsis. The project builds on a previous PhD studentship, which
successfully developed prototype biosensors to biomarkers known to be up-regulated in
intra-abdominal sepsis (lactate, TNF-alpha, and E. coli antigen) and continues work on
biomarkers for inflammatory bowel disease (calprotectin) and colorectal cancer
(carcinoembryonic antigen, or CEA) . The purpose of the current position is to progress
biosensor development to the point of commercialisation and clinical application. The
research will involve close collaboration between the Faculty of Biological Sciences
(biosensor expertise) and Leeds Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (clinical
translation).
The purpose of this post is to take a lead role in a growing research theme to develop
prototype biosensors for abdominal sepsis and anastomotic leak for clinical translation.
The post is funded by an NIHR grant to develop new surgical technologies for clinical
translation. The post will also involve a supervisory role for clinicians in training
undertaking laboratory research into the same research area.
Duties & Responsibilities
1.
Devise and carry out a successful programme of investigation as outlined above,
managing individual components of the study from the start of the project to
dissemination of findings within set timeframes.
2.
Make decisions as to the direction of research that is to be followed, within the
context of the research area.
3.
Coordinate interactions between scientists and clinicians so as to ensure
identification of and access to appropriate clinical samples, and to foster
engagement with the work by all parties.
4.
Analyse and interpret the results of own research and help to generate original
ideas based on outcomes.
5.
Evaluate methods and techniques used and results obtained by other researchers
and relate such evaluations appropriately to own work.
6.
Contribute to supervision and instruction of other members of staff, in particular
clinical research students (MD and PhD).
7.
Present research results within the research group and the institute and through
publication or other recognised forms of output, e.g. peer-reviewed journals,
reports and conference presentation at local and national level.
8.
Contribute to the work of the research team as a whole through dialogue with
colleagues, generation of ideas, assisting in preparation of grant applications,
advising on study design, problem solving and pastoral support of colleagues
where appropriate.
9.
Keep abreast of relevant literature and maintain a good knowledge of the
background and current developments in the field of the project.
10.
Attend and contribute to departmental and Institute research seminars and
meetings, and undertake training courses where required.
11.
Be aware of risks in the work environment and contribute to COSHH assessments
when appropriate.
12.
Treat data, particularly when it may identify patients or staff, with respect and in
accord with current good practice policies.
The post holder will be expected to actively support and adhere to the Faculty’s
commitment to Equality and Diversity in line with the requirements of the Faculty Diversity
Action Plan.
Job descriptions cannot be exhaustive and you may be required to undertake other duties
which are broadly in line with the above key responsibilities.
Relationships
You will be responsible on a day-to-day basis to the Principal Investigators (Prof David
Jayne (LICABS) and Prof Paul Millner (FBS)), and through them to the Director of the
Leeds Institute of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences and ultimately to the Dean of the
Faculty of Medicine and Health.
You will be required to work as a member of a team and to interact with a variety of staff
including scientists, research fellows, postgraduate students and research support staff.
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/
Person Specification
Essential
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A PhD in a molecular, cell or cancer biology discipline (or soon to be submitted)
Demonstrable experience in molecular and cell biology techniques
A proven ability to work and think independently and to contribute to the planning
of a programme of scientific research
A demonstrative ability to analyse and interpret research results
A developing publication record in high impact peer reviewed journals
Effective organisational skills and a demonstrable ability to prioritise work to meet
deadlines
A proven ability for effective cross-disciplinary working including experience
collaborating with others
A willingness to work flexibly, when necessary, to fulfil the needs of the research
project.
Proven effective verbal communication skills (including undertaking presentations
and scientific reports).
A working knowledge of Health and Safety requirements within the laboratory
setting.
Evidence of an ability and willingness to keep up with, and have a working
knowledge of the scientific literature in the field of the project.
Previous experience of supervising junior staff
Evidence of an ability to write to a standard required for research
reports/publications.
Desirable
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Experience in protein chemistry and molecular biology of small affinity proteins
Experience of electrochemical biosensor technology
Experience in handling molecular biological and biophysical datasets.
IT and bioinformatics skills.
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 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 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
LICAMMs 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 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 multi-disciplinary 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.
Biological Sciences
The Faculty of Biological Sciences is one of the leading groups of life-science
researchers within the UK, offering superb facilities, providing a high quality research
training environment and delivering an exceptional student education.
Our position amongst the UK elite for bioscience research was confirmed in the last
government Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2008 when we were ranked 4th for
biological sciences in the UK by the leading scientific journal Nature based on the number
of staff producing research that was “world leading" or "internationally excellent”.
In addition to 110 academic staff, the Faculty has over 400 postdoctoral fellows and
postgraduate students supported by a current active research grant portfolio of some
£53m derived from a range of sources including charities, research councils, the
European Union and industry.
With around 2000 undergraduate students and 150 taught postgraduate students, we are
one of the largest life sciences faculties in the UK. Our programmes cover the breadth of
the biological sciences with undergraduate programmes in the areas of biology,
biochemistry, microbiology, sport and exercise sciences and medical sciences including
physiology and neuroscience.
Significant investments in our infrastructure contribute to our dynamic and vibrant
research environment, offering excellent opportunities for leading edge research focused
around key areas, including neuroscience, sports and exercise science, membrane
biology, and structural molecular biology.
The Faculty has 3 Schools:
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School of Biomedical Sciences
School of Molecular and Cellular Biology
School of Biology
School of Biomedical Sciences
The School is one of three research Schools in the Faculty of Biological Sciences at
Leeds – one of the largest groupings of biological scientists in the United Kingdom. It
currently contains 48 academic staff and independent research fellows within three
Research Groups – Integrative Membrane Biology, Neuroscience and Cardiovascular &
Sports Sciences. Interests are broad-ranging, from fundamental studies on the structures
and functions of membrane proteins, to physiological questions in the mammalian
cardiovascular and nervous systems – all the way to up to studies of health, exercise and
disease in humans. Research in the School is well-funded from RCUK, charitable and
industry sources and there is an exciting and interactive environment for modern
research relating to animal and human health, as well as access to cutting-edge research
equipment including one of the first automated planar patch-clamp systems in academia.
Research space is recently refurbished to a high standard. The Faculty and the University
as a whole operate “low-wall” principles for research groupings, centres and schools with
the aim of encouraging cross-disciplinary research and integrative approaches to big
scientific questions. A number of staff are located within, or collaborate with researchers
in the Leeds Institute of Genetic health and Therapy (LIGHT) contiguous with the Leeds
General Infirmary and giving direct access to clinical colleagues. This places the School
in a powerful scientific environment that encourages and supports research and
research-training at the highest level.
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 Building, 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.