Post Graduate Research Assistant

This is a 0.7 fte contract for 12 months.

As part of a collaboration between Dr Paul K Potter (Oxford Brookes University) and Dr Karl Morten (Oxford University) there is an opportunity to establish and run a screening programme for anti-inflammatory peptides with the potential to treat chronic disease. With age there is a gradual decrease in the integrity of the intestinal barrier resulting in changes to the microbiome and leakage of microbial peptides into the circulatory system that have been shown to exacerbate a range of chronic and age-related diseases. These are thought to contribute to a range of chronic conditions (reviewed in Martel et al., Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism, April 2022, Vol. 33, No. 4). We intend to screen for compounds that will maintain intestinal barrier integrity and hence, potentially reduce the severity or incidence of some of these chronic conditions. We will employ in vitro and in vivo systems (Drosophila and C. Elegans) to screen compounds that will maintain gut barrier integrity in the context of ageing, and induced barrier dysfunction. Using the three screening systems we will prioritise compounds to take forward for further studies. Dr Potter has an interest in age-related and chronic diseases (https://www.brookes.ac.uk/profiles/staff/paul-potter/) and Dr Morten has an on-going programme investigating chronic disease (https://www.wrh.ox.ac.uk/team/karl-morten). 

There is the potential to increase the post to 1.0 FTE with contributions to teaching for the appropriate person and pending confirmation of funding.

Qualifications required for post: Graduate, possibly engaged in postgraduate study.

Experience required for post: Experience of working in research in the area of biology/physiology. Having worked with model organisms (Drosophila or C.Elegans) or in the field of ageing would be an advantage.

For more information please see the attached job description and person specification.

As one of the largest employers in Oxford we pride ourselves in the great experience we offer our staff. You’ll be joining a friendly, professional environment where every member of staff is recognised as important to the success of Oxford Brookes University.  To find out more about the benefits of working for Oxford Brookes please visit: www.brookes.ac.uk/job-vacancies/working-at-brookes.

The University has adopted equality, diversity and inclusion as core values.  We welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates whatever their background, and especially from BAME candidates who are under-represented in our workforce.

This role will not attract sufficient points to obtain a sponsored Skilled Worker visa under the points based immigration system, however applications are welcome from candidates who don’t currently have the right to work in the UK, but who would be eligible to obtain a visa via another route.

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