GLOBAL HEALTH INTERVENTION STRATEGIES IN THE DEVELOPMENTAL ORIGINS OF OBESITY
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Division Women’s Health, King’s College London
A Postdoctoral Research Associate position is available to work on a 3-year MRC Newton Fund Research Partnership Project with the National Institute of Medical Science and Nutrition Mexico City entitled:
‘Interventions to Improve Maternal Metabolic Profile and Prevent Cardio-Metabolic and Behavioural Deficits in Future Generations Due to Programming by Maternal Obesity’
The prevalence of obesity in Mexico is one of the highest in the world, and the highest for childhood obesity. Maternal obesity is now the single biggest obstetric risk factor, and it is now widely recognised that maternal obesity is not only a risk factor for pregnancy outcomes (e.g. pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes and fetal macrosomia) but also for the long term health of the child, with increased risk of obesity and related comorbidities. Diet and nutrition in pregnancy are recognized modifiable risk factors for offspring metabolic health and offer the opportunity for intervention to stem the growing tide of childhood obesity and impact on the cardiovascular and mental health of the next generation.
Dr Zambrano’s team in Mexico and Dr Taylor’s group at King’s College London have worked in the field of developmental programming for many years and have a shared interest in pharmacological and lifestyle interventions to improve maternal metabolic profile in obese pregnancy and prevent cardio-metabolic and behavioural deficits in the offspring. The teams have identified candidate probiotic and nutraceutical compounds, and will employ complementary rodent models to advance understanding of the efficacy and safety of these compounds in improving maternal metabolic profiles in obese pregnancy and their disease-preventive potential for cardiovascular (high blood pressure) metabolic (obesity and diabetes) and behavioural deficits (cognitive function and ADHD) in future generations.
Highly motivated candidates with an excellent track record are invited to apply. The position of Postdoctoral Research Associate requires education to PhD level in a subject related to biomedical sciences, 2-3 years’ postdoctoral experience in physiological or behavioural science and possession of an appropriate Home Office licence; research experience of in vivo techniques and practical skills in molecular biology techniques would be beneficial but not essential.
Salary will be offered on grade 5, spine point 30, currently at £33,665 per annum inclusive of £2,323 London Allowance.
Informal enquiries may be made by contacting Dr Paul Taylor (
[email protected]).
