Applications are invited for a Research Scientist to join the Laboratory of Stephen Robinson in the Gut Microbes and Health Programme at the Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB).
Background:
Historically, the Robinson lab focuses on understanding the molecular basis of endothelial cell adhesion and migration in regulating angiogenesis. We have established a strong reputation for combining the use of transgenic and knockout mice with cellular and molecular biology to gain mechanistic insight into physiological and pathological angiogenesis. More recently, we are focussed on understanding how microbial communities and specific microbiota members interact with the host to regulate immune surveillance in health and disease, particularly breast cancer.
The role:
The microbiome is increasingly recognized as a modifiable environmental factor that influences extra-intestinal host development and normal physiological function. Here, we will explore the hypothesis that the microbiome directly/indirectly influences both breast cancer development and progression. Specifically, this project aims to:
1. Test epidemiologically driven hypotheses about microbiome drivers of breast cancer in preclinical (mouse) models of the disease. This might take several forms: a) testing suspected bacterial drivers of the disease to determine their effects on disease progression; b) augmenting the (mouse) microbiota with species presumed to be protective and, again, testing the effects on disease progression; c) testing both the aforementioned scenarios in the context of response to current treatments, such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or immune checkpoint therapy.
2. Probe epidemiological data for microbiome driven correlations identified in our preclinical models. For example, we will ask questions such as do identified changes (coming from our preclinical models) in faecal metabolites or immune parameters that are induced by microbiota disruption (e.g. via antibiotics/chemotherapy) or beneficial supplementation (e.g. live biotherapeutic products) identify responders versus non responders?
The ideal candidate:
Applicants should have a strong background in host response (which may include developmental biology and/or immunology) and potentially microbiology experience and have a keen interest in learning about microbiota-host interactions during breast cancer. A PhD in a relevant subject (e.g. biological science, developmental biology, immunology, microbiology-host response) is essential, as is outstanding personal initiative and communication skills.
Additional information:
Salary on appointment will be within the range £32,255 to £39,345 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This post is for a contract of 23 months starting on 1st October 2020.
For further information and details of how to apply, please visit our web site
https://jobs.quadram.ac.uk or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450462 or
[email protected] quoting reference 1003932.
Please note, this post does not meet UKVI requirements to provide Tier 2 visa sponsorship.
Interviews are expected to be held on 14th September 2020.
We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sectors of society. The Institute supports equality of opportunity within the workplace and expects all employees to share and display these values. To support our commitment, we have a range of family, faith and diversity friendly working arrangements to help all staff achieve excellence in their area of work.
As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy.
About the Quadram Institute:
The Quadram Institute is a new interdisciplinary research institute dedicated to understanding how food and microbes interact to promote health and prevent disease. Its mission is to deliver healthier lives through innovation in gut health, microbiology and food. A partnership between Quadram Institute Bioscience, the University of East Anglia, the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and BBSRC, it brings together scientists and clinicians in a state-of-the-art building on the Norwich Research Park. This is one of Europe’s largest centres of life sciences and home of the John Innes Centre and The Earlham Institute.
