Research Associate - Mucus Obstruction in Asthma

Research Associate - Mucus Obstruction in Asthma

University of Manchester

Manchester, United Kingdom

Overall Purpose of the Job

We have an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated, self-driven individual with a strong experimental background in mucin/mucus-related research. The successful candidate will investigate how alterations in the levels of mucins and their biochemical/biophysical properties, and changes in mucus composition and properties contribute to mucus obstruction in severe asthma.

Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities or Duties

The range of duties will include:

• Be involved in the assessment of student knowledge and supervision of projects.
• Assist in the development of student research skills.
• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with the assistance of a mentor if required.
• Conduct individual and collaborative research projects.
• Write up research work for publication.
• Continually update knowledge and understanding in field or specialism.
• Translate knowledge of advances in the subject area into research activity.
• Deal with routine communication using a range of media.
• Communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically.
• Communicate material of a specialist or highly technical nature.
• Liaise with colleagues and students.
• Build internal contacts and participate in internal networks for the exchange of information and to form relationships for future collaboration.
• Join external networks to share information and identify potential sources of funds.
• Manage own research and administrative activities, with guidance if required.
• Work with colleagues on joint projects, as required
• Collaborate with academic colleagues on areas of shared research interest.
• Attend and contribute to relevant meetings.
• Use new research techniques and methods.
• Use initiative and creativity to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
• Use creativity to analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes.
• Contribute to collaborative decision making with colleagues in areas of research.
• Use research resources, laboratories and workshops as appropriate.
• Plan and manage own research activity in collaboration with others.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Have, or be about to obtain, a relevant PhD (or equivalent), or have proven specialist expertise in respiratory mucus/mucin research
• Specialist knowledge in respiratory mucus/mucin biology with proven experience in polymeric mucin purification, biochemical/biophysical characterisation and quantitation, mucus proteomics, primary lung cell air-liquid interface culture will be given strong merit
• Strong journal publication record in airway mucin/mucus biology
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent time management and organisational skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to present in both written and oral publications
• Ability to meet deadlines
• The ability to evaluate complex data
• Ability to contribute to broader management and administrative processes.
• Ability to assess and organise resources
• Understand equal opportunity issues as they may impact on areas of research content.
• The research requires highly interdisciplinary work involving teams of contributors across different institutions; therefore, team players that are motivated to help others are highly encouraged to apply.
• Ability to liaise confidently and effectively with a range of individuals
• Flexible approach to dealing with research problems as they arise
• Willingness to learn and develop

Apply Now