Postdoctoral Researcher

An opportunity has arisen to join our friendly and successful respiratory research team investigating the role of cilia function in bronchiectasis.

Our group has a focus on the mechanisms of chronic lung disease and translation of these findings into therapies and patient care. This project will investigate ciliary function as a therapeutic target in bronchiectasis. The study will determine mechanisms for primary and secondary ciliary dysfunction in bronchiectasis and translate these findings into therapeutic options. This will include validation of putative ciliary genes in a group of >1000 people with bronchiectasis in which whole exome sequencing has been conducted and interrogation of cilia function before and after therapies in clinical trials. The post will use techniques such as air liquid interface cell culture, high speed video microscopy, immunofluorescence, ELISA, proteomics and molecular genetics.

We are closely linked to the clinical respiratory team at Ninewells hospital and have a strong translational focus to our work. This project is funded through Asthma Lung UK (https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/)

The successful applicant will work with Prof Amelia Shoemark, who is internationally recognised for research into diagnosis of ciliary disorders and pathophysiology of bronchiectasis, in a well-funded laboratory with excellent research facilities. The department is the coordinating centre for BEAT-PCD clinical research collaboration, and the candidate will be expected to be involved with the wider respiratory cilia research community (https://beat- pcd.squarespace.com/). There are excellent opportunities for further training, career development, publications and conference presentations.

Your priorities will include:

• Lead an ambitious research project aiming to understand ciliary dysfunction in bronchiectasis.
• Carry out laboratory-based research to a high standard.
• Work under the supervision of the principle investigator but assume responsibility for all aspects of the project.
• Contribute to group meetings, providing information and data to members of the Group.

Who we’re looking for:

• PhD in a biological subject; or be in the final stages of completing their PhD
• Minimal requirement of a contribution to at least one paper in a peer reviewed journal
• Hard working and able to work within a team
• Ability to collaborate with members of other research groups within the University and other academic institutions.
• Ability to work to deadlines and to meet milestone targets, with detailed attention to time management and multi-tasking.
• Experience in respiratory research or cilia research is desirable

We are one of the UK’s leading universities – internationally recognised for our expertise across a range of disciplines and research breakthroughs in multiple areas, including science, medicine and engineering, amongst many others.

For further information about this position please contact Professor Amelia Shoemark at a.shoemark@dundee.ac.uk

The diversity of our staff and students helps to make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for undergraduate, postgraduate and distance learning. Family friendly policies, staff networks for BME, Disabled and LGBT staff, membership of Athena SWAN, the ECU Race Equality Charter and Stonewall as well a full range of disability services, create an enjoyable and inclusive place to work.

Advert information