Research Technician (973018BJ)

Applications are invited to join a multidisciplinary team to study the role of systemic inflammation and periodontitis as risk factors for progression of dementia. Experience in inflammation biology is desirable.

The post is available from April 2018 for a period of 18 months. Interviews are planned for March 2018.

Short description of the project: The UK has 850,000 people with dementia, with 60-70% of all cases due to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Work from the University of Southampton has recognised systemic inflammation as a risk factor for accelerated onset and progression of dementia in AD. These studies showed that bacterial infections, such as periodontitis, significantly increase the rate of cognitive decline. Periodontal disease is a treatable/controllable condition, thus targeted treatment approaches are provided to improve AD outcomes. This Dunhill Trust funded project aims to analyse markers of inflammation and prior exposure to periodontital pathogens in blood samples of a population cohort and correlate the findings to cognitive function. The results of this project may provide insight into the pathogenesis of dementia and could lead to novel or optimized therapeutic strategies by modulation of oral hygiene and/or systemic inflammation.

Informal enquiries about the post can be made to Professor Jessica Teeling. http://www.southampton.ac.uk/biosci/about/staff/jt8.page

The University of Southampton and Biological Sciences both hold an Athena Swan Silver Award, demonstrating their commitment to provide equal opportunities and to advance the representation of women in STEM/M subjects: science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine.  Biological Sciences is able to provide flexible working opportunities in a part-time role and due consideration will be given to applicants who have taken a career break.

The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities and employees are able to participate in the childcare vouchers scheme. Other benefits include state-of-the-art on-campus sports, arts and culture facilities, a full programme of events and a range of staff discounts.

Application Procedure

You should submit your completed online application form at www.jobs.soton.ac.uk. The application deadline will be midnight on the closing date stated above. If you need any assistance, please call Elsa Samwell (Recruitment Team) on +44 (0) 23 8059 2507. Please quote reference 973018BJ on all correspondence.

Closing Date: 09 Mar 2018
Post Type: Technical & Experimental