Research Associate/Fellow

University of Nottingham; Derry/Londonderry; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job description

Closing Date
Tuesday 25 March 2025

Reference
MED87325

Studying the response of in vitro IBD models to drugs included in an AZ clinical study.

This project offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with a diverse team of biologists, modelers, and clinicians from AstraZeneca and the University of Nottingham, working together to address critical questions in the biology of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The primary aim is to advance our understanding of the molecular pathology of IBD and facilitate the development of effective therapies by integrating preclinical and clinical data with specifically tailored modelling approaches.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) poses a significant healthcare challenge, affecting an estimated 6-8 million people globally. Over the past decade, the prevalence of IBD has risen by 85%, particularly in newly industrialized countries. This project aims to advance our understanding of IBD by developing and evaluating preclinical models in conjunction with clinical data from ongoing IBD studies and computational translational strategies. The objectives are to:

1. deepen insights into the mechanisms of IBD,
2. identify and explore novel therapeutic targets, and
3. predict disease progression and responses to treatments.

The successful candidate will join a collaborative, multidisciplinary team of researchers from the University of Nottingham and AstraZeneca. This team is actively engaged in developing preclinical, clinical, and computational platforms to test hypotheses and advance the biological understanding of IBD. The candidate's primary focus will be on preclinical models, with regular opportunities to present findings to diverse academic and industry audiences. They will also be expected to contribute to high-quality publications in peer-reviewed journals and present their work at relevant scientific conferences, subject to the quality and novelty of the research.

Education and Experience Required:

Essential:

• PhD (or near completion) in relevant area (gastrointestinal biology and/or chronic inflammation) or the equivalent in professional qualifications and experience in research area.
• Background in gut biology, in vitro systems including intestinal organoids.
• Ability to work independently and in a team across disciplines.
• A proven track record of communicating research in an efficient and timely manner via publications and conference presentations.

Desirable:

• Experience in working with computational modellers.
• Knowledge of pharmacology principles.
• Broad interests to contribute to innovation and discovery in the context of both academia and industry.

This is a full-time (36.25 hours), fixed-term position until 31/03/2026, with the possibility of a 1-2 year extension. The role during the first year will be based in Nottingham and will require secondments in the new Discovery Centre (DISC) of AstraZeneca in Cambridge, UK.

What we offer:

• A friendly, diverse, and supportive working environment.
• Generous holiday entitlement of 30 days (or pro rata) plus standard bank holidays and five university closure days including closure between Christmas and New Year.
• Our reward scheme grants bonuses of numerous values for excellent work.
• We are committed to staff development through the provision of training, continued support, and career progression opportunities.
• You will have access to a range of benefits and rewards, including fitness and health facilities, staff discounts, travel schemes, and many more.

What next:

Further information is available in the role profile. To apply for this vacancy please click 'Apply Now' to complete your details.

Please contact Paloma Ordóñez-Morán ([e-mail]) if you have further questions about this role. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

Our university is a supportive, inclusive, caring and positive community. We welcome those of different cultures, ethnicities and beliefs - indeed this very diversity is vital to our success, it is fundamental to our values and enriches life on campus. Learn more about the university commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

We are delighted to share that we are the first university to have achieved Athena Swan Gold Award.

We want you to succeed in our recruitment process and have published Candidate Guidance for you to access information and support on application and interview process.

We welcome applications from UK, Europe and from across the globe and we want to make your transition to living in the UK as smooth as possible. Visit the Moving to Nottingham page to find out more.

Your application will be considered on an equal basis, subject to the relevant permission to work in the UK as set out by UK Visas & Immigration.