Research Associate

We have an exciting research opportunity for a Research Associate to join our team in the School of Molecular Biosciences.

This post, funded by the UKRI-Medical Research Council (MRC) for 28 months, is to investigate the fundamental cellular and molecular mechanisms that control storage and release of fatty acids in the context of obesity-related metabolic disorders.

This project builds on our preliminary results that Free Fatty Acid receptors 2 and 4 (FFA2/4), members of the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) family, are located and function inside cells to sense released fatty acids and inhibit lipolysis. Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team and in collaboration with Professor Davide Calebiro, University of Birmingham, and Professor David Hodson, University of Oxford, you will utilise state-of-the-art cell signalling, pharmacology and advanced imaging techniques with innovative cell and mouse disease models to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and physiological relevance of this novel potential modality of ‘intracrine’ FFA2/4 signalling.

This is an opportunity for a highly motivated Research Scientist to conduct basic research with potential for pre-clinical translation. The candidate will be responsible for pharmacological characterisation and in vitro and in vivo testing of novel agonists/ antagonists of FFA2 and FFA4 to more fully understand the molecular basis underlying storage and release of fatty acids as well as assessing how the balance of ‘intracrine’ versus ‘paracrine’ might vary between white and brown adipose tissue and in various disease states. The candidate will be based at University of Glasgow in state-of-the-art laboratories located in the newly built Advanced Research Centre (ARC) in the heart of the University campus.

The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals as well as help manage and direct this complex and challenging project as opportunities allow.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Professor Graeme Milligan Graeme.Milligan@glasgow.ac.uk

This position is full time and has funding for up to 28 months from start date.