Research Fellow, Chemical Biology, Diagnostics & Therapeutics

Chemical Biology, Diagnostics & Therapeutics

Location:  Highfield Campus
Salary:   £34,980 to £42,978
Full Time Fixed Term (18 months)
Closing Date:  Wednesday 27 September 2023
Reference:  2437923EB

Applications are invited for an enthusiastic Research Assistant or Research Fellow to join the Molecular Biophotonics and Imaging group within the School of Chemistry and Institute for Life Sciences at the University of Southampton.

OrganVision is funded by European Union’s FET Open Horizon-2020 grant in a consortium of researchers and companies from four different European countries. It aims to develop a technological platform for real-time visualizing and modelling of fundamental process in living organoids towards new insights into organ-specific health, disease, and recovery. The research team at the University of Southampton is responsible for developing ‘OrganLab’ for the OrganVision project and quantitative analysis to understand the mechanical property of the EHT tissue using different multimodal imaging techniques. The postholder will be responsible for culturing Engineered Heart Tissue (EHT) and imaging of the samples (fixed and live) using Raman Spectroscopy, SHG microscopy, CARS microscopy and the home-built OrganVision microscopy system in the research lab at the University of Southampton. The postholder will also be doing quantitative analysis of the EHT tissue to extract meaningful physical information on tissue mechanics. The postholder will also be responsible for designing and implementing a sample chamber for growing live EHT samples and real-time imaging- using auto-CAD design and 3D printing (proper training and mentoring will be provided). 

The successful candidate will have a PhD* or equivalent professional qualifications in biological sciences and experience in basic cell biology and bio-photonics (spectroscopy, optics, imaging) techniques as well as quantitative image analysis with a background and experience of working in a highly interdisciplinary environment. This post is funded by FET-Open grant under European Union’s Horizon-2020, for the OrganVision project in a consortium of research labs from four different European countries.

It is a full-time fixed term for 18 months initially and potentially extendable. The work pattern for this position is flexible. It is based in the Institute for Life Sciences on the Highfield campus at the University of Southampton. Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Dr. Dipanjan Bhattacharya (Dipanjan.bhattacharya@soton.ac.uk). This appointment will be made subject to the usual terms and conditions of employment of the University.

Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

At the University of Southampton, we value diversity and equality.  The University recognises that employees may wish to have working patterns that fit with their caring responsibilities or work-life balance.  Due consideration will also be given to applicants who have had career breaks for reasons including maternity, paternity or adoption leave, disability or illness.  Both the University of Southampton and Chemistry are proud to hold Athena Swan Silver Awards.