Position Details
Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Infection, Inflammation and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 7, salary £41,421
Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to April 2027
Closing date: 25th February 2025
Interviews to be held: 28th March 2025
Background
To create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a specified range of activities within an established research programme and/or specific research project.
The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will be working in the laboratory of Dr Andrew Holmes in the Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK to work on a British Heart Foundation funded project: identifying a new role for the carotid body in mediating cardiovascular responses to heat stress.
A major impact of climate change is an increased exposure to extreme heat. Heat stress puts a major demand on the cardiovascular system- requiring tightly regulated reflex activation to maintain blood pressure and increase cardiac output. Without this, heat stress can lead to cardiovascular collapse and arrhythmia. Sudden deaths due to heat stress are now rapidly increasing. Therefore, a better understanding of physiological response to heat stress is urgently needed. Emerging evidence indicates that the carotid body is acutely sensitive to heat. However, its importance in preserving cardiovascular function during heat stress is poorly understood.
This project will use immunohistochemistry, ex vivo electrophysiology and high-spatial resolution optical imaging to reveal a novel mechanism of carotid body heat-sensing. We will also perform in vivo physiology measurements to identify a new role for the carotid body in activating cardiovascular-respiratory reflexes in response to heat, necessary to preserve blood pressure, breathing, cardiac function and cardiac electrical integrity.
Role Summary
* Work within specified research projects and contribute to writing of the research proposals
* Operate within areas of carotid body function, cardiovascular-respiratory physiology and thermoregulation
* Analyse and interpret research findings and results
* Disseminate findings from research to specialist and lay audiences (incl. writing scientific publications)
* Contribute to the writing of grant proposals and funding applications to secure resources for ongoing and future research
* Contribute to the public understanding and visibility of the discipline through publications, presentations, and outreach activities
Main Duties
The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.
* Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
* Contribute to writing bids for research funding
* Analyse and interpret data
* Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
* Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
* Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
* Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
* Undertake management/administration arising from research
* Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
* Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
* Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
* 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 the research
* Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
* Promote equality and value diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
Person Specification
* First degree and a PhD (or near to completion) in biomedical sciences, physiology, cardiovascular-respiratory sciences, carotid body function, thermoregulation, or a closely related field
* High level analytical capability
* Ability to communicate complex information clearly
* Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
* Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
* Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
* Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
* Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
* Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day-to-day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.
Further particulars can be found here
Informal enquiries to Dr Andrew Holmes, email: a.p.holmes@bham.ac.uk
We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.
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