Research Associate/Fellow (Fixed-term) (MED620326)

Project: In vivo evaluation of the effect of novel peptide-siRNA conjugated therapeutics on chronic pain and inflammation in osteoarthritic joints

This role will support the delivery of defined research objectives within an Arthritis UK

–funded grant held jointly by the University of Birmingham (lead institution PI, Prof. Simon Jones), the University of Bath (Prof. Ian Eggleston, and Prof. Mark Lindsay), and the University of Nottingham (Prof. Victoria Chapman, Dr Federico Dajas-Bailador, and Dr Kim Chisholm). The post will be based in the School of Life Sciences at the University of Nottingham.

Summary

This programme of research builds on our previous studies where we identified genes we believe mediate pain and inflammation in the joints of patients with osteoarthritis. The aim of the current project is to evaluate the in vivo efficacy of novel peptide-siRNA conjugate therapeutics, designed to selectively target these genes in joint fibroblasts and chondrocytes, at reducing joint pain and inflammation.

Background

siRNAs (short strands of genetic material designed to switch off disease-causing genes) have emerged as a promising new class of therapeutics with unique advantages over traditional drugs. Six siRNA-based therapies are already approved for clinical use. However, a major hurdle in applying siRNA therapeutics to osteoarthritis is the efficient and targeted delivery of siRNAs to joint-resident cells. To address this, we have identified a cell-surface receptor that is highly expressed on chondrocytes and synovial fibroblasts in inflamed osteoarthritic joints. Therefore, conjugating siRNAs to peptides that bind this receptor will enable targeted delivery of our conjugate therapeutics specifically to the diseased joint cells

The post holder will work alongside two in vivo research technicians and a wider interdisciplinary team with expertise spanning in vivo neuroscience, models of inflammation and osteoarthritis, advanced microscopy and cellular & molecular techniques. The role involves performing a range of in vivo behavioural and physiological assessments in animal models of joint inflammation and osteoarthritis, including behavioural readouts and in vivo calcium imaging. These studies will evaluate the therapeutic potential of the novel peptide-siRNA conjugates, in an in vivo setting, with the findings expected to inform future clinical trials.

The role will be directly supervised by Prof. Victoria Chapman, Associate Prof. Federico Dajas-Bailador, and Research Fellow Kim Chisholm, who collectively bring extensive experience in rodent models of osteoarthritis, pain behavioural assessment, physiological measures of nervous system function, and siRNA pharmacology. Funding is available for two years.

This Arthritis UK research is further supported by the infrastructure and interdisciplinary expertise of the Arthritis UK Pain Centre. Prof. Chapman is a recognised expert in translational mechanistic pain research using clinically relevant in vivo models; Dr Dajas-Bailador specialises in in vitro neuronal models and siRNA biology; and Dr Chisholm is an expert in in vivo microscopy for studying neuronal plasticity and therapeutic effects in pain.

The post holder will be expected to conduct independent research as well as contribute effectively to a collaborative team, employing appropriate methodologies and techniques. They will be responsible for writing up their findings for publication and will have the opportunity to use their initiative and creativity to identify new avenues of research, refine methodologies, and expand their research portfolio.

This a full time position (36.25 weekly hours) on a fixed term basis starting from 01/04/2026 for 24 months.

For further information, please contact: Prof. Victoria Chapman (victoria.chapman@nottingham.ac.uk), Dr Federico Dajas-Bailador (F.Dajas-Bailador@nottingham.ac.uk) or Dr Kim Chisholm (kim.chisholm@nottingham.ac.uk).

Closing Date: 03 Apr 2026
Category: Research and Teaching (R&T)