"Postdoctoral Research Associate - DEBRA International"

We are recruiting an enthusiastic postdoctoral research associate to conduct a scientific programme of work focussed on pain mechanisms in epidermolysis bullosa, under the supervision of Professor Shafaq Sikandar, Dr Matthew Caley and Dr Emanuel Rognoni. The candidate will be based at the William Harvey Research Institute. The role will involve extensive laboratory investigations using neurophysiological and neuro-immune profiling of the impaired skin barrier and maladaptive neuronal responses underlying pain in epidermolysis bullosa.

The candidate will have a PhD in the field of neuroscience and, ideally, with expertise in pain research. The postholder will be expected to take a proactive and innovative approaches to delivery of research goals, with a strong sense of responsibility in conducting research activities. The candidate will be strongly supported to build research fellowship applications and continue to foster the collaboration with project partners. The candidate should have a good track record of publishing in the field, interpersonal and communication skills, and should be an enthusiastic team player.

The Sensory Neurophysiology group is led by Professor Shafaq Sikandar, and this project is being conducted in collaboration with Dr Matthew Caley and Dr Emanuel Rognoni, who are based at the Blizard Institute and are leading experts in skin biology and epidermolysis bullosa disease pathogenesis. Other collaborators include Dr Maria Maiarù at University of Reading and Dr Margarita Calvo at Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile. The Sensory Neurophysiology group runs preclinical and clinical programmes of work focused on pain mechanisms and therapeutic approaches to treat pain. The Sensory Neurophysiology team have expertise in animal and human pain studies using neurophysiological techniques and molecular biology approaches to study pain and somatosensation. Our team aims to foster synergies in research approaches and encourages mutual support between individual members. This project will be based at the William Harvey Research Institute, part of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry.

At Queen Mary, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable. Throughout our history, we’ve fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. And we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it’s simply ‘the right thing to do’ but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers. We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.

We offer competitive salaries, access to a generous pension scheme, 30 days’ leave per annum (pro-rata for part-time/fixed term), a season ticket loan scheme and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, and campus facilities. The post is full-time, fixed-term for 3 years. Salary will be up to £41,510 per annum (Grade 4, Spinal Point 29), inclusive of London allowance. Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability. We are open to considering applications from candidates wishing to work flexibly.