Postdoctoral Research Associate (A2219)

We wish to recruit a full-time postdoctoral research associate for 18 months. You will join Lancaster Medical School to work with Dr Jemma Kerns to explore the protein and gene expression of collagen, and their effect on the chemical and material properties on osteoarthritic bone. 

The project addresses key components of the inherited evidence of osteoarthritis in bone and will direct future research for early diagnosis and the identification of therapeutic targets. There is potential to predict future likelihood of developing OA: improve diagnosis, treatment and quality of life for individuals with OA: hundreds of millions of people are affected worldwide, with an ageing population the prevalence is predicted to increase.

You must hold a PhD in a relevant subject area. The project will involve measuring collagen alpha chain expression using SDS-PAGE gel, measuring mRNA expression from COL1A1 and COL1A2, establishing baseline chemical information using Raman spectroscopy, and establishing material properties using atomic force microscopy and rheometric techniques.

This project is funded by an Academy of Medical Sciences Springboard grant. Participant identification and collection will be through collaboration with Dr George McLauchlan (Consultant Orthopaedic surgeon, Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust). The material property testing will be in conjunction with Dr David Cheneler in the Engineering Department.

You will join a top 10-UK university with excellent laboratory facilities and situated in a vibrant research environment. During the project you will also have the opportunity to engage with a world-leading consortium of bone researchers at University College London (Prof Goodship, Prof Birch), Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore and Prof Parker and Prof Matousek at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, STFC, Oxford. 

For more information please contact Dr Jemma Kerns, j.kerns@lancaster.ac.uk http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/fhm/about-us/people/jemma-kerns

The post is available from 1st May 2018. 

We welcome applications from people in all diversity groups.

Closing Date: 16 Mar 2018
Category: Research