We are recruiting for two (2) exceptional individuals to join us as Research Technicians within the Reproductive Medicine Research Group, be part of an interdisciplinary team on a project funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation in collaboration with Lgenia and the University of Abertay (Dr Sean Brown). The aim of the project is to screen compounds with potential contraceptive activity, using donated human spermatozoa in various functional assays. Lgenia will lead the medicinal chemistry efforts and supply Dundee with compounds for testing.
This is a fixed-term appointment until December 2025.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a team operating at the cutting edge of technologies and human systems working to develop a new nonhormonal contraceptive. You will be regularly interacting with team members at the School of Medicine (Prof Barratt, Dr Johnston, and Dr Martins da Silva), University of Abertay (Dr Sean Brown) and external collaborators, and presenting ideas/data/written reports at bi-monthly team meetings. You will be able to hone your cell biology skills within a highly collaborative environment.
You will be based mainly at Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, one of Europe's largest teaching hospitals where the School of Medicine provides outstanding opportunities in medical education and training supported by world class research facilities.
Your priorities will include:
* Execution of assays/methods to assess impact of compounds on human spermatozoa. These will encompass single cell and large-scale methods.
* Assessment of key pathways related to sperm motility and the acrosome reaction.
* Ensuring safe and ethical handling of human semen samples.
* Collaborating with colleagues within the reproductive medicine research group and our external partners.
Who we're looking for:
* BSc in relevant biological/life sciences subject.
* Knowledge or experience in cell biology or reproductive biology
* A working knowledge of aseptic technique and GLP
* Excellent interpersonal skills, including evidence of team working.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills, and fluency in English
The calibre of research at Dundee is high, with 95 per cent of staff working in areas of national or international excellence. Dundee benefits from a developed network of inter-disciplinary researchers collaborating across various Schools across our community.
The University of Dundee is a signatory of the Researcher Development Concordat and is committed to enhancing the research environment and culture. Engagement and support of activities which assist the researcher development agenda at the University is therefore essential.
For further information about this position please contact Professor Christopher Barratt c.barratt@dundee.ac.uk or Dr Zoe Johnston at z.y.johnston@dundee.ac.uk .
The diversity of our staff and students helps to make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for undergraduate, postgraduate and distance learning. Family friendly policies, staff networks for BME, Disabled and LGBT staff, membership of Athena SWAN, the ECU Race Equality Charter and Stonewall as well a full range of disability services, create an enjoyable and inclusive place to work.