This post is funded by the The Rosetrees Trust to investigate pollutant-microbe interactions in the airway as a driver of poor asthma control. Building on UoL’s ground-breaking work on metal and air pollutant-induced increases in bacterial pathogenicity, the project will examine impacts of other air particulates and metals associated with particulates on microbial-host interactions in lung cell models. The aim of this research associate post is to determine the mechanisms involved in pollutant mediated microbial-host interaction and how this effects asthma. Additionally, work will validate clinical associations that can lead to novel therapeutic strategies for asthma. This is an interdisciplinary post that involves close collaboration with microbiologists, data analysts, environmental scientists, and respiratory clinicians. The candidate will have specific responsibilities within an established research programme and to work collaboratively and independently to achieve defined milestones and produce high quality research. The candidate will also be part of a wider programme of the NIHR funded Health Protection Research Unit in Chemical Threats and Hazards and Biomedical Research Centre focused on the Environment, Respiratory and Infection. About you You will have a PhD in Microbial Genetics (awarded or close to completion). You will have extensive experience studying human-bacterial interaction. Your knowledge will also consist of molecular microbiology, and immunology. Alongside this, you will have experience of working with ‘omics analysis, and human respiratory tissue culture. To be successful in this role, you will need to have a proven ability of training and supervision of new members of the lab, including undergraduate and PhD students as well as evidence of research productivity and interdisciplinary team work specifically with clinicians and government agencies. Additional information Informal enquiries are welcome and can be made to Julie Morrissey, [email protected] As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying. More information regarding secondments can be found here The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world. As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive. We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment. Unable to show this video due to your cookie preferences