As a Medical Research Council-funded Postdoctoral Research Associate you will spearhead an innovative investigation into the transcription factor ERG to determine its role as a master regulator of lymphatic identity and immune response. Working at a world-leading institution within a high-impact collaborative environment, you will employ in vivo models with state-of-the-art molecular and cellular assays to uncover how ERG functions as an "immune gatekeeper" during both steady-state and inflammatory challenges. Ultimately, your findings will define a new roadmap for therapeutic targets to treat debilitating conditions like primary lymphoedema, directly bridging the gap between fundamental molecular science and patient benefit.
In this role, you will lead investigations into how the transcription factor ERG regulates lymphatic identity and immune cell trafficking. Your responsibilities will include performing in vivo functional assays to quantify lymphatic drainage and immune cell trafficking. You will utilize single-cell transcriptomics and high-resolution multiplexed imaging to map cellular landscapes in mouse and human tissues. Additionally, you will conduct mechanistic studies to identify the role of ERG in lymph node maintenance. Throughout, you will develop advanced analytical skills and benefit from a dynamic and collaborative research environment.
We are looking for an ambitious and highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a PhD in vascular biology, immunology, or cell biology to join this collaborative project. While a full person specification is available in the job description, we are specifically looking for candidates who can demonstrate:
*Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant within the salary range £43,863 - £47,223 per annum.
1. Expertise in advanced in vivo techniques using genetically modified mice, such as functional lymphatic assays and immune cell trafficking models.
2. Proficiency in high-resolution imaging, specifically spatially-resolved multiplexed imaging and whole-mount tissue analysis using confocal microscopy.
3. Experience with single-cell transcriptomics (scRNA-seq), including the ability to design experiments using 10x Genomics and perform downstream computational data analysis.
4. Technical skills in molecular biology and in vitro assays, such as CRISPR or siRNA-mediated gene inhibition and functional studies of endothelial barrier integrity and leukocyte adhesion.
5. Strong analytical and computational abilities to interpret high-dimensional datasets, identify unique gene signatures, and predict cellular interactions.
6. A collaborative and proactive mindset, with the ability to share expertise across different lab environments and a commitment to preparing high-quality manuscripts for publication.
7. The ambition to develop an independent research role, demonstrating the drive to prepare for future independent academic positions through the acquisition of new skills and ideas.
By joining this project, you will benefit from a wealth of professional and scientific opportunities designed to launch your career as an independent investigator:
8. A high-impact collaborative environment. You will work across a unique partnership between Imperial College London and the University of Nottingham, directly sharing expertise with project leads specializing in ERG transcriptional regulation (Dr Graeme Birdsey, Imperial College London) and immune response/lymph node trafficking (Prof. Jacqui Shields, University of Nottingham).
9. Access to cutting-edge technology. You will be trained on and have full access to state-of-the-art platforms, including the 10x genomics platform for single-cell transcriptomics and systems for advanced, spatially-resolved multiplexed imaging.
10. Translational research impact. You will contribute to a project with significant clinical relevance, collaborating with experts at City St. George’s, University of London, to identify therapeutic targets for debilitating conditions like primary lymphoedema.
11. Scientific recognition and dissemination. You will be responsible for reporting your findings in high-quality manuscripts and presenting your work at national and international conferences, ensuring your contributions are recognized by the global scientific community.
12. Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year).
13. Structured career development. This 36-month post is designed to support you in developing independent research ideas to prepare you for future senior academic positions.