Research Fellow, Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine

Job Description:

The School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Sciences (MDBS) at Queen’s University Belfast, is currently seeking to appoint an exceptional candidate to the post of Research Fellow.

The posholder will join the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) research team led by Dr Bianca Plouffe within the Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine to investigate the spatial properties of Gq signalling at the subcellular level. This study will employ the state-of-the-art modern pharmacology techniques (BRET, nanoBRET, NanoBiT, FRET, TR-FRET, HTRF, STED microscopy, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing) to investigate the trafficking properties of phospholipase Cbeta and identify the molecular mechanism underlying the signalling transduction of endosomal Gq signalling leading to cellular events.

The post is suited to a highly ambitious individual with strong background in GPCR signalling and pharmacology and is available for 36 months.

The successful candidate must have, and your application should clearly demonstrate that you: 

• Have or are about to obtain a PhD in Experimental Medicine, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or a closely related area of Biomedicine.
• Have at least 3 years’ experience with cell-based assays and cell culture.
• Have at least 3 years’ recent, hands-on, experience that will demonstrate relevant laboratory skills that are relevant for this project.
• Have the ability to learn and optimise new assays/techniques.
• Have knowledge of the principles, particularities and applications linked to all  the modern pharmacology techniques (BRET, nanoBRET, nanoBiT, FRET, TR-FRET, HTRF, nanobodies) and experience with at least 3 of them .
• Have strong experience in confocal microscopy.
• Have evidence of a key role in publications. This list should be commensurate with stage of career and experience.
• Have experience in supervising undergraduate or graduate students in the laboratory.

Please note the above are not an exhaustive list. For further information about the role including the essential and desirable criteria, click on the ‘Candidate Information’ link below.

Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but in particular circumstances may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding.

At Queen’s our people are at the heart of everything we do. As a staff member you will become part of a vibrant organisational culture, which will provide you with the opportunity to achieve your full potential and enhance your career through a continuous focus on learning and development.

We offer an excellent employment package that includes:

• Great terms & conditions
• Pension schemes
• Family-friendly initiatives
• Career development opportunities
• Support for health & mental wellbeing
• Generous holiday entitlement of 8 weeks a year (made up of 23 days annual leave, 10 closure days and 9 bank holidays)

Queen’s University is committed to promoting equality of opportunity to all. We have created an inclusive culture by establishing staff networks such as iRise  (Race) and PRISM  (LGBTQ+) which help us progress equality.

We also subscribe to Equality Charter Marks such as the Diversity Charter Mark NI in addition to Athena Swan. For further information on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, please visit:  www.qub.ac.uk/diversity ; www.qub.ac.uk/qgi  and www.qub.ac.uk/sites/StaffGateway/StaffNetworks/

Informal enquiries may be directed to Barney O’Loughlin at [email protected]

Candidate Information
About the Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine
Attractive reward package
Further information for international applicants