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Job Description

Resistance to antibiotics is a major challenge facing modern medicine. It is usually the result of bacteria acquiring new genes or mutations that block antimicrobial action. A major factor driving the emergence of antibiotic resistance is the repeated use of antibiotics to treat relapsing infections. In these cases, initial treatment with antibiotics appears to clear an infection. However, following stoppage of treatment, the infection quickly reappears (it relapses). A small sub-population of bacteria called antibiotic persisters are at the heart of relapsing infections. These are bacteria that transiently enter an antibiotic recalcitrant state, often by hiding within innate immune cells called macrophages. Using Salmonella Typhimurium as a model pathogen, the Hill lab studies the relationship between macrophage phenotype and antibiotic persister survival, with the aim of developing strategies to push macrophages towards a state optimised for killing of antibiotic persisters without inducing damage to the host. If successful, this could lead to new therapies that help to limit the duration and frequency of antibiotic treatment.

We seek a Research Assistant to help postdoctoral Research Associates (PDRAs) in the Hill lab to develop a cutting-edge research project aiming to identify and characterise innovative immune-modulatory strategies to disrupt the intramacrophage persister niche using invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella as a model system. With regards to day-to-day activities, you will combine systems biology and hypothesis-driven approaches to help PDRAs pursue these lines of research, using multidisciplinary methods from genetics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, biochemistry, and molecular and cellular biology.

This post will be offered on a fixed-term contract for 12 months.

This is a full-time post - 100% full time equivalent. However, if suitable applicants are interested in 80% posts, this can be discussed.

Key responsibilities

• Assist PDRAs in the Hill lab to develop a cutting-edge research project aiming to identify and characterise innovative immune-modulatory strategies to disrupt the intramacrophage persister niche
• Work collaboratively to develop knowledge of the literature in the subject area; design and control experiments for the above project; maintain accurate records of performed experiments and conclusions in line with the group’s expected standards; and meet agreed upon deadlines
• Communicate research findings via preparation and delivery of presentations about relevant research findings within the team
• Handle laboratory equipment safely and considerately, assist with general laboratory upkeep, report safety issues instantaneously, and comply with the requirements of the Health and Safety regulations
• Initiate purchase of consumable items and minor equipment within budgetary limits and in consultation with the PI
• Positively support equality of opportunity and equity of treatment to colleagues and students in accordance with the College Equal Opportunities policy

ÌýThe above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

Skills, knowledge, and experience

Essential criteria

1. BA/BSc in biology or biomedical sciences
2. Experience in microbiology, mammalian cell culture and/or molecular biology/biochemistry (especially DNA/RNA manipulation)
3. Academic integrity and rigor
4. Ability to work collaboratively
5. Excellent note-keeping and communication skills

Desirable criteria

1. MSc/MSci/MRes in molecular biology, cellular biology, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, and/or infectious diseases
2. Experience with Salmonella enterica
3. Experience with bioinformatic approaches

Further information

Applicants should submit a CV (max. 2 pages) and cover letter (max. 2 pages) outlining their suitability for the post.

This post is subject to Occupational Health clearance.