英国，助理研究员工作，分子生物学或免疫类

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Gene Therapy for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (University of Bristol, England, United Kingdom)

The post

Our Academic Ophthalmology Department is a world leader in ocular immunology, combining studies of human disease with experimental animal models to understand fundamental underlying biological mechanisms. We are currently seeking a postdoctoral researcher (salary starting from £33,797 - £38,017 per annum, full time) to drive forward a program of gene therapy for atrophic age-related macular degeneration (AMD), supervised by Dr Jian Liu and Prof Andrew Dick. The project is funded by Macular Society for 3 years from December 2021 or soon after.

As a leading cause of visual loss in the elderly, AMD is a neurodegenerative disease leading to loss of cells (atrophic; aAMD) or, in 15% cases, the growth of new vessels (neovascular; nAMD). There is no therapeutic option for aAMD. The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) lies at the centre of the choroid-retinal interface and its primary role is in the maintenance of visual cycle and photoreceptor health. Altered RPE cell metabolism, integrated with low-grade and chronic inflammation, has been heightened as a trigger for AMD. Based on our recent findings, we hypothesize that harnessing the immunoregulation through augmentation of expression of identified molecules will reset RPE metabolic and immune homeostasis. RNA Sequencing will be used to interrogate molecular mechanisms underlying the immune-regulated metabolic processes in the RPE during ageing and in disease models.

The RA will take a lead to develop experimental approaches, and AAV-based gene therapy for preclinical assessment. You will also join the wider academic community of the group which has diverse interests in ocular research, such as autoimmune diseases, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.

What will you be doing?

You will:

• Organise, co-ordinate and perform laboratory research experiments.

• Be responsible for the day-to-day management of the project.

• Contribute to writing articles for publication in high quality peer reviewed journals.

• Provide regular progress reports and assist in the production of study report.

• Train, support and assist in line management of the junior staff and students, and liaison with related external collaborations.

• Contribute to the life of the Unit, School and University.

You should apply if:

• You are excited about undertaking research that can ultimately help patients with sight loss.

• You have experiences in research and project management skills.

• You have demonstrable experience in some of the following research areas: 1. Molecular biology, Biochemistry, RNA-Seq and Bioinformatics. 2. Ocular research including experimental animal models. 3. Gene therapy including in vivo use.

• You have excellent communication skills and can clearly articulate verbally and in writing.

• You are someone who can get up to speed quickly, thrives on digesting lots of information, is mindful of competing priorities, and can drive activity forward in a sustainable manner.

If interested, please send your CV and a cover letter stating your suitability and why you wish to apply to Dr Jian Liu atjian.liu@bristol.ac.uk. A formal application will be made through the university website.

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