Funded by the HEFCW (Higher Education Funding Council for Wales) and under the EU’s 7th Framework Programme, this project brings together cell biology and protein engineering approaches in a interdisciplinary effort to address stem cell replacement therapy in treating spinal cord injury. The funding is guaranteed for 2 years initially, with potential for an extension upon performance review.
The successful applicant will work in both the group of Dr Olga Mayans at the Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, UK and the group of Prof Bing Song at the Cardiff Tissue Engineering & Repair Laboratory, School of Dentistry, Cardiff University, UK. The selected applicant will primarily engage in the molecular engineering and functionalization of a protein scaffold (to be carried out in Dr Mayans' laboratory) and, subsequently, will establish its potential for neural stem cell encapsulation (at Prof. Song's laboratory). For recent work of these labs in this field see (1) Zhao et al, 2006, Nature; Meng et al., 2010, Experimental Neurology and (2) Bruning et al., 2010, Nano Letters. It is foreseen that the candidate will spend time at each laboratory according to project requirements and that (s)he will coordinate a close collaboration between both groups, including the design and management of cross-disciplinary experiments, formal reporting and meeting schedules.
The project requires a strong background in the recombinant production of proteins (including their chromatographic purification) as well as in molecular biology approaches for protein engineering. An understanding of biopolymers and their applications as biomaterials is highly desirable and will be of distinct advantage. Experience in cell biology is desirable, but further training will be provided.
Salary at £29853-£35646 per annum, further increments can be considered depending on experience.
Applications should include a comprehensive CV and contact details for two referees.
If interested, please apply through weblink below:
http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/jobs/dentl/research-associate-2779.html
For enquiries and applications please contact Prof Bing Song at SongB3@cardiff.ac.uk or Dr Olga Mayans at Olga.Mayans@liverpool.ac.uk
