Research Assistant in Tissue Immunology

A new and exciting opportunity is available between the Sinton and Quintana labs to explore how hosts regulate their energy balance during chronic infection, with a focus on adipose tissue immunity and adipose-brain communication. We seek to employ an outstanding research assistant who has experience with in vivo models of infection, immunology, metabolism, parasitology, primary tissue culture, and/or related areas. The ideal candidate will work across disciplines to address fundamental questions in immunometabolism and sickness behaviour, and will be expected have the ambition to develop their skillsets within these fields, whilst building on their existing skills.

The successful candidate will undertake activities in the areas of immunometabolism and sickness behaviour, and will assist in running experiments, as well as optimising and troubleshooting protocols. The successful candidate is expected to perform a range of experimental protocols, including, but not limited to, in vivo infections, recording of feeding behaviour, flow and/or spectral cytometry, immunofluorescence microscopy, cell line and primary cell tissue culture (e.g. mesenchymal and/or fibroblast progenitors), stem cell differentiation, and various molecular biology techniques (e.g. qPCR, western blotting).

The research assistant would be expected to work alongside the PIs to conceptualise studies and design experiments, and to work towards the publication of their findings in appropriate journals. Moreover, the role involves contributing to the team science by supporting other lab members, intellectually and practically - and through collaborative work with internal and external collaborators. The appointed candidate will also be supported to explore all the opportunities available locally, nationally, and internationally for career development, from applying to relevant funding opportunities to acquiring transferable skills of interest.

The lab ethos is of curiosity, passion, inclusion, humility, and teamwork, and so the successful candidate is expected to operate and thrive under such values. Additionally, the ideal candidate will have demonstrable knowledge of neuroscience, behaviour and related areas, and therefore experience with murine models is essential. Women and underrepresented minorities (e.g., POC, LGBTQ+) are particularly and strongly encouraged to submit their applications.

Successful candidates may be subject to pre-employment screening carried out on our behalf by a third party. The offer of employment will be dependent on the successful candidate passing that screening. Whilst you will be required to provide express consent at a later stage, by continuing with your application now you acknowledge that you are aware that such screening will take place, and agree to take part in the process.

What can you expect in return

The University will actively foster a culture of inclusion and diversity and will seek to achieve true equality of opportunity for all members of its community.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk.

Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

can be made to Dr Matthew Sinton and Dr. Juan F. Quintana

Email: matthew.sinton@manchester.ac.uk and juan.quintana@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.