Are you an early career researcher looking for your first challenge? Do you have laboratory experience in cell biology/cellular trafficking/Super-Resolution microscopy? Do you want to further your career in one of the UK’s leading research intensive Universities? 

A two year position is available for a highly motivated research assistant to work with Dr Lynn McKeown on her MRC funded research grant to address a fundamental gap in our understanding of the role of perturbed cellular degranulation in inflammation. 

The specific objective of this research position is to determine the mechanisms underlying mast cell degranulation in response to various stimuli, with specific emphasis on the role of Rab GTPases. First, we will use Super-Resolution microscopy in order to establish a role for Rab46 in granular trafficking. The research assistant will investigate Rab46 localisation and granular kinetics in response to human mast cell stimuli (IgE, TLR ligands, ATP, C3a and appropriate controls). Rapid kinetics will be observed in live cells overexpressing GFP-Rab46 using iSIM. In addition, overexpression of any exonic Rab46 variants (identified in corresponding patient genetic studies) will be used to analyse the effect of the mutation on granular trafficking. The research assistant will also perform quantitative immunoassays and other biochemical analyses on mast cells extracted from mouse Rab46 -/- mast cells to determine the effect of Rab46 on the selective release of granule contents. Collectively the results from this work will lead to 1) enhanced understanding of what drives mast cell degranulation, 2) novel targets to intervene to prevent perturbed degranulation and 3) further understanding of the role of mast cells in inflammatory diseases. 

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Dr Lynn McKeown, University Academic Fellow, Principal Investigator
Tel: +44 (0)113 343 9912, email: l.mckeown@leeds.ac.uk 

Further Information

The University of Leeds is committed to providing equal opportunities for all and offers a range of family friendly policies. The University is a charter member of Athena SWAN and holds the Bronze award. The School of Medicine gained the Silver award in 2016.  We are committed to being an inclusive medical school that values all staff, and we are happy to consider job share applications and requests for flexible working arrangements from our employees.

Location:  Leeds - Main Campus
Faculty/Service:  Faculty of Medicine & Health
School/Institute:  Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine (LICAMM)
Section:  Discovery and Translational Science Department (DTSD)
Category:  Research
Grade:  Grade 6
Salary:  £27,511 to £32,817 p.a.  
A maximum salary of £31,866 p.a can be offered due to funding restrictions.
Working Time:  100% full time equivalent
Post Type:  Full Time
Contract Type:  Fixed Term (24 months)    
Closing Date:  Sunday 03 November 2019    
Downloads:  Candidate Brief