Early Stage Researcher
- Employer
- UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN
- Location
- Lincoln, United Kingdom
- Salary
- £33,797 per annum
- Closing date
- 15 Feb 2021
View more
- Academic Discipline
- Physical Sciences, Chemistry
- Job Type
- Research Related, Other Research Related
- Contract Type
- Fixed Term
- Hours
- Full Time
Job Details
School of Pharmacy
Location: Lincoln
Salary: From £33,797 per annum
This post is full time at 1.0 FTE and fixed term for 36 months
Closing Date: Monday 15 February 2021
Interview Date: Wednesday 03 March 2021
Reference: COS802
Marie Sklodowska Curie ESR
This post is for an early stage researcher (ESR) who will undertake a three-year PhD studentship as part of the Innovative Training Networks (ITN) Call H2020-MSCA-ITN-2020 DIRNANO. The scheme aims to train a new generation of creative, entrepreneurial and innovative ESR’s. There are 16 academic and 5 non-academic partners across Europe who are within the network. The present post will be based at the University of Lincoln in the Joseph Banks Laboratories and supervised by Dr. Christy Hunter.
Project Title: Green Chemical Synthesis of Steroidal Complement Inhibitors: improvement of Nanomedicines Stealth CharacteristicsIntravenously administered liposomal nanomedicines have demonstrated significant clinical advantage in the treatment of conditions such as Karposi sarcoma and metastatic breast cancer as compared to free drug treatments. Following administration of these commercial nanocarriers clinically significant adverse events can occur. The adverse
events have been linked to activation of the Complement system.
The Project
This project will apply green chemical synthesis, using microorganisms, to functionalise hormones generating novel complement recognition inhibitors to improve stealth characteristics of liposomes. Design of these inhibitors will involve in silico modelling to determine the optimal design of liposome-complement protein interaction inhibitors. Physical interactions, as well as structure of the inhibitors will be assessed by a range of techniques including Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The Immunological assessment of the inhibitors will be tested in using ELIZA complement assay system.
The Appointee
The appointee should have an interest in synthesis, in silico modelling and complement immunology. The individual will be trained in the above techniques at the University of Lincoln as well as two training internships at the University of Newcastle, UK and Molecular Horizon SRL, Italy.
You will be required to obtain a PhD whilst in the role, attend and contribute towards relevant meetings as well as disseminating your research through seminar, conference presentations or through publications. You will receive a generous PhD studentship.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Fluent in written and spoken English
- Good written and oral Communication skills
- Practical experience of synthetic chemistry and structural analysis would be an advantage
- Using and developing new research techniques and methods
- Excellent time management and organizational skills
- Ability to meet deadlines and produce formal reports
Qualifications
A Masters level qualification (or equivalent) qualification in biochemistry, biophysics, organic chemistry, pharmacy, pharmaceutical or immunological science but with a strong understanding of structural chemistry.
The Programme and Eligibility
The main type of ITN is a European Training Network (ETN) – fellows are typically enrolled on a PhD programme. The project is consortium based with a number of partners across Europe.
The project has a number of core eligibility criteria to be adhered to for recruitment:
- All positions awarded in the project should be fully advertised nationally and internationally (using https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/)
- The candidate must be in the first 4 years (full-time equivalent research experience) of their career and not awarded a PhD at the time of their recruitment.
- Recruited for a minimum 3 months and maximum 36 months
- No restrictions on nationality
- Mobility – the candidate must not have resided or carried out their main activity in the UK for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to their recruitment.
- Funding Mechanism of ITN – Each fellow’s contract is comprised of the Living, Mobility and Family Allowances (Dependents at the time of recruitment) as awarded by the scheme.
All allowances awarded are included in the cost of employment for University of Lincoln; employers National Insurance and pension contributions. See Foreign Currency Projects for the current exchange rate.
For informal enquiries please contact Dr. Christy Hunter at chunter@lincoln.ac.uk
Dr. Hunter’s web page: https://staff.lincoln.ac.uk/949fc1dd-31a7-48f6-96a6-96e6c28eba7a
For further information about the programme please see:
European Training Network: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/
https://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/data/ref/h2020/wp/2018-2020/main/h2020-wp1820-msca_en.pd
Company
Since Her Majesty the Queen first opened the University of Lincoln, we’ve had some of the most satisfied students in the UK. And our quality of teaching and research has helped us achieve a growing and international reputation. However, with an ambition to become one of the country’s top institutions, we’re just at the start of our exciting journey.
With over 13,000 students spread across our three campuses of Brayford Pool Marina, Riseholme Park and Holbeach, we’re one of the Lincolnshire’s largest employers. We strive to provide each of our 1,500 plus members of staff a working environment where equality, respect and opportunity are core values. And, whether you’re an academic, researcher, senior manager or part of our professional support team, you’ll find a home of creativity and innovation.
- Mini-site
- UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN
- Location
-
BRAYFORD POOL
LINCOLN
LINCOLNSHIRE
LN6 7TS
GB
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