Research Associate

This is an exciting opportunity to join Dr Darren Ting's research group focusing on the development of novel antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) to combat bacterial and fungal corneal infections and address the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This post is funded through the Sight Research UK Translational Research Award.

In this project, the aim is to specifically examine the efficacy, safety, long-term stability, pharmacokinetics / pharmacodynamics (PK/PD), and local tissue bioavailability using various experimental approaches.

The successful candidate will work within a multidisciplinary environment that bridges microbiology, pharmacology, and ophthalmology, in collaboration with Prof Saaeha Rauz (Ophthalmology, University of Birmingham), Prof Nicholas Barnes (Pharmacy, University of Birmingham), and Associate Prof Rajamani Lakshminarayanan (Singapore).

This post offers the opportunity to contribute to translational research at the interface of ophthalmology, microbiology, antimicrobial development, and drug delivery systems, with access to world-class laboratory and clinical resources.

Role Summary

As a Research Associate, you will provide research support to Dr Darren Ting's group in the School of Infection, Inflammation, and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health, at the University of Birmingham. This group focuses on the development of new peptide-based treatment for various eye diseases, particularly corneal infection.

The role involves progressing the development of novel antimicrobial peptides for treating corneal infections. Key responsibilities include:

- Performing in vitro microbiological assays, including minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and antibiofilm assay
- Performing in vitro cytotoxicity assays using human cell lines and red blood cells
- Assisting / performing ex vivo experiments using ex vivo porcine whole eye models to study the PK/PD and local tissue drug bioavailability, using HPLC/MS
- Analysing and interpreting research findings and results
- Working within specified research grants and/or projects
- Operating within area of specialism
- Contributing to publications

You will work closely with other researchers and students, offering research guidance, troubleshooting experimental setups, and supporting the development of new procedures. A strong understanding of microbiology, cell culture and/or molecular biology will be essential.

Main Duties

- Collect research data, primarily through scientific experiments
- Set up experiments and acquire, process and interrogate data for use in publications and related activities
- Analyse research data as directed
- Support the development of research protocols and efficient completion of programmes of work to agreed timescales and project deadlines
- Responsibility for the day-to-day planning of ongoing work in the laboratory to meet agreed objectives and timetables
- Develop or adapt techniques, models and methods
- Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
- Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research
- Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
- Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research
- Foster a fair and equitable workplace for all staff
- Identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant university policies and procedures

Person Specification

- Relevant first degree in the field of microbiology, biomedical science, or pharmacology
- Experience of hands-on experimental work and method development, particularly in microbiological, cell culture, molecular biology (e.g. ELISA, qPCR, immunohistochemistry, and/or flow cytometry)
- Some experience in working on ex vivo models
- High level analytical capability
- Ability to communicate complex information clearly
- Ability to diagnose/resolve problems and suggest solutions in own area
- Ability to analyse problems and summarise key points to others, including non-specialist staff
- Demonstrable ability to plan ahead, work to deadlines involving time management and strong organisational skills
- Ability to organise and manage own workload and demonstrate flexibility in terms of work practices and requirements
- Ability to work under minimal supervision but function as part of a team
- Proficiency in commonly used software packages
- Knowledge of the protected characteristics and duties under the Equality Act 2010, including fostering good relations and advancing the university's Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED)