Are you an ambitious researcher looking for your next challenge? Do you have an established background in computational and/or liver biology? Do you want to further your career in one of the UKs leading research intensive Universities?

Endocrine disruptors (EDs) are exogenous chemicals, which alter functions of the endocrine system, causing adverse health effects in an organism or its progeny. Historically, the field of ED research has focused on reproductive endocrinology and related hormones. However, recent evidence has suggested that EDs can result in an increased incidence of metabolic syndrome (a cluster of metabolic risk factors including abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, elevated blood pressure, and elevated fasting glucose), increasing the incidence of atherosclerosis and type 2 diabetes. 

The Horizon2020 project “Metabolic effects of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals: novel testing Methods and adverse outcome pathways” (EDCMET) brings together systems toxicologists, experimental biologists with a thorough understanding of the molecular mechanisms of metabolic disease, and comprehensive in vitro, and in vivo methodological skills and ultimately, epidemiologists linking environmental exposure, to adverse metabolic outcomes. Working with scientists across the consortium, this position will build an in silico predictive mechanistic model, of how EDs alter liver metabolism, predisposing individuals to metabolic syndrome. This will build upon our published model of lipid loading in the liver (doi: 10.1038/s41540-018-0070-3), using our novel QSSPN framework. QSSPN is a modelling approach that allows the integration of genome-scale metabolism and regulatory networks, generating models that can simulate the dynamic alterations in metabolism that occur during chemical exposure (doi: 10.1002/psp4.12230; 10.1038/npjsba.2016.32)

To apply for this role you must have a PhD or be close to completion in either, computational biology, liver metabolism, nuclear receptor biology or a closely allied discipline. You must also have experience in computational modelling of biological processes including nuclear receptor biology and/or liver metabolism.

The University of Leeds and the Faculty of Biological Sciences are committed to providing equal opportunities for all and offer a range of family friendly policies. The University is a charter member of Athena SWAN (the national body that promotes gender equality in higher education), and the Faculty of Biological Sciences was reawarded a Bronze award in 2017.  We are proud to be an inclusive Faculty that values all staff, and are happy to consider job share applications and requests for flexible working arrangements from our employees. Our Athena SWAN webpage provides more information. 

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

Professor Nick Plant, Professor of Systems Biology
Tel: +44 (0)113 343 7109, Email: N.Plant@Leeds.ac.uk

Location:  Leeds - Main Campus
Faculty/Service:  Faculty of Biological Sciences
School/Institute:  School of Molecular & Cellular Biology
Category:  Research
Grade:  Grade 7
Salary:  £33,797 to £40,322 p.a.  
Please note that due to funding limitations it is unlikely that any appointment will be made above £33,797 p.a.
Post Type:  Full Time
Contract Type:  Ongoing    
Closing Date:  Wednesday 18 December 2019    
Downloads:  Candidate Brief