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 on a new project that will develop
aerosolised slow-release analgesic nanomedicines for application during abdominal
surgery. Abdominal surgery is often performed using “key-hole” techniques and without
the need for large, painful wounds. The main component of postoperative pain is now the
surgical trauma within the abdominal cavity. Postoperative pain has an adverse affect on
many components of recovery, including gastrointestinal and cardiorespiratory function. It
limits mobility and predisposes patients to complications. There is a need to develop an
effective strategy for patients undergoing abdominal surgery that provides prolonged and
effective pain relief, and so speeds up recovery and minimises complications. The overall
goal of the project will be to develop slow-release formulations of analgesic drugs that
can be sprayed across a large surface area inside the abdomen to provide extended
post-operative pain relief.
You will join a highly multidisciplinary research environment within 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 School of Chemistry (nanomedicine formulation and
characterisation), School of Mechanical Engineering (aerosol generation and
characterisation and fluid flow) and Leeds Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences
(biomedical application and clinical translation).
You will have, (or expect to receive shortly), a PhD in physics, chemistry, biochemistry,
materials, engineering, or a related discipline, some relevant laboratory experience in soft
matter or biological materials, and effective interpersonal and communication skills.
Previous experience of nanomedicine research and working within multidisciplinary
research teams would be highly desirable. We recognise that candidates applying for a
multi-disciplinary project such as this will not necessarily have the complete set of skills
required for this work at the outset of the project, so an aptitude for learning new
techniques quickly will be important.
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 1st August 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, Dr Paul Beales, tel +44 (0) 113 3439101, email
P.A.Beales@leeds.ac.uk, or Prof Nik Kapur, tel +44 (0) 113 3432152, email
N.Kapur@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:MHBCS1015
Closing Date: 25 August 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 soft and biological materials for the formulation and
delivery of therapeutics and diagnostic image contrast agents. The project builds on
existing expertise in soft nanomaterials for the formulation of active pharmaceutical
ingredients, the design of aerosol delivery systems and the development of novel
diagnostic and therapeutic technologies for the treatment of colorectal and abdominal
diseases. The purpose of the current position is to combine these existing strengths to
generate proof of concept data for the feasibility of aerosolised analgesic nanomedicines
and to optimise this system towards viability for clinical translation for abdominal surgery.
The research will involve close collaboration between the School of Chemistry
(nanomedicine formulation and characterisation), School of Mechanical Engineering
(aerosol design and fluid mechanics) and Leeds Institute of Biomedical and Clinical
Sciences (biomedical application and clinical translation).
The purpose of this post is to take a lead role in a growing research theme to develop
nanomedicines for the treatment and diagnosis of colorectal and abdominal conditions 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 Investigator (Prof David
Jayne (LICABS)), and through him 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 also work closely with the project Co-Investigators, Dr Paul Beales (Chemistry) and
Prof Nik Kapur (Mechanical Engineering).
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 physics, chemistry, biochemistry, materials, engineering, or a related
discipline (or soon to be submitted)
Demonstrable experience in soft matter or biological materials research
techniques
A demonstrable ability for quickly learning new techniques or adapting existing
techniques to support your research.
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
Effective organisational skills and a demonstrable ability to prioritise work to meet
deadlines
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.
Evidence of an ability to write to a standard required for research
reports/publications.
Desirable
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A developing publication record in high impact peer reviewed journals
A proven ability for effective cross-disciplinary working including experience
collaborating with others
Previous experience of supervising junior staff
Experience in the formulation and characterisation of nanomaterials for drug
delivery or diagnostic imaging.
Experience in some of the following soft materials characterisation techniques:
UV-vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering,
rheology, Malvern Spraytec, cryo-TEM, HPLC.
Experience of cell culture and molecular biology assays, such as ELISA, qRTPCR and immunocytochemistry.
Experience in handling molecular biological and materials characterisation
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 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 Institute’s 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: Epidemiology & Biostatistics; Experimental Haematology;
Experimental Oncology; Oncology & Clinical Research (Clinical); Oncology & Clinical
Research (Laboratory); Patient Centred Outcome Research; and Pathology & Tumour
Biology.
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.
School of Chemistry
In the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF), Chemistry at Leeds was ranked
equal 4th nationally for research impact, with all work being rated as internationally
excellent or leading. The School has 6 major interdisciplinary research groups:
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Atmospheric and Planetary Chemistry
Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry
Colour and Polymer Science
Computational Chemistry and Chemical Physics
Crystallisation and Directed Assembly
Process Research and Development
The School of Chemistry has outstanding research facilities including refurbished
laboratories, chemical biology facilities and a wide range of chemical analysis equipment
(including NMR, mass spectrometry and microanalytical services). These facilities have
been enormously enhanced and expanded by the award of >£7M (Chemistry share:
£2.5M) under the JIF Scheme. The School has 55 academic and academic-related staff,
in excess of 140 postgraduate students and 50 postdoctoral fellows.
The Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology
The Astbury Centre brings together researchers from across the University - largely from
Physics, the Biological Sciences and Chemistry - to allow interdisciplinary approaches to
be harnessed to understand the molecular basis of life. Astbury’s infrastructure and
technical support has been enormously expanded and enhanced through a £7.5M
Welcome Trust JIF grant. This will be enhanced by the recent announcement of the
University’s commitment of £17M investment in new state-or-the-art electron microscopy,
NMR and X-ray crystallography facilities for the centre. Relevant infrastructure includes
confocal microscopy, flow cytometry and surface plasmon resonance. The Bioimaging
Facility is a dedicated imaging suite that includes three confocal microscopes, including
the recent addition of a Zeiss LSM700 (inverted) in 2012 and a Zeiss LSM880 in 2015,
and image analysis work stations. The Centre for Biomolecular Interactions within
Astbury houses biophysical instrumentation including a Biacore 3000 SPR,
microcalorimetry, analytical ultracentrifugation, as well as oligonucleotide synthesis and
protein purification. Together these outstanding facilities and unparalleled collaborative
opportunities for chemists, biologists and physicists provide the ideal environment in
which to pursue multidisciplinary science.
School of Mechanical Engineering
The School of Mechanical Engineering is one of the leading mechanical engineering
departments in the UK and a leader in the field internationally. The School has a track
record of delivering high quality research to solve real world problems with particular
expertise in: engineering systems and design; thermofluids, surfaces and interfaces;
medical devices and regenerative medicine in conjunction with colleagues in Biological
Sciences and Medicine.
The School is rated in the Top 5 for Mechanical Engineering in the UK in all the major UK
university league tables. (1st in The Guardian 2016, 5th in The Complete University
Guide 2015, 5th in The Times and Sunday Times University League Table 2015). From a
research perspective, the School is ranked 2nd in the UK for Mechanical Engineering,
and joint 4th in a combined unit of assessment, with 100% of research having either
‘outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’ impact, according to the Research Excellence
Framework 2014 (UoA: Aeronautical, Mechanical, Chemical and Manufacturing
Engineering). In total there are 100 academic and research staff. And over 900 students
from 50 countries.
The School comprises of four research institutes: The Institute of Design, Robotics and
Optimisation; The Institute of Functional Surfaces; The Institute of Medical and Biological
Engineering and, of particular relevance here, The Institute of Thermofluids. This Institute
is well equipped with a wide range of fluid characterisation facilities including high speed
imaging, laser illumination sources, rheometers and spray characterisation including a
Malvern Spraytec for droplet sizing. In addition, there is access to manufacturing facilities
within the School for construction of test apparatus. Continual investment in these
facilities ensure that the School is well equipped for supporting cutting edge research.
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 will be hosted in Leeds Institute of Biological and Cinical Sciences with
placements in the School of Chemistry and Mechanical Engineering as determined by the
project requirements. 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.