Postdoctoral Research Fellow (full-time) : Leeds, United Kingdom

Faculty of Medicine and Health 
School of Medicine
Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology (LICAP)
Section of Experimental Haematology
Postdoctoral Research Fellow (full-time)

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic scientist to work in the Section of Experimental Haematology of the Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology. The successful candidate will work on the development and refinement of in-vitro models of human plasma cells as a therapeutic discovery platform. The project is sponsored by UCB and will suit a candidate with interests in assay development and refinement for translational application, and a focus on detail and milestone orientated working. The project will include time spent at UCB in relation to assay development and transfer.

This project builds from our previous work in developing a model system allowing the in vitro generation and maintenance of long-lived human plasma cells (Cocco et al. J Immunol 2012). The project will aim to optimise the in vitro assay system to facilitate high-throughput evaluation of plasma cell biology and function in relation to potential niche components, with future application in the evaluation of potential therapeutics. The project will make extensive use of cell culture and isolation techniques and focus on systematic evaluation of culture conditions and associated cellular differentiation and function.

This post is offered for a 3-year period subject to achievement of appropriate milestones. The post will be available from 1st February 2016 and will be based at the St James's University Hospital site.
Applicants should hold a first degree and PhD in a relevant biological science and have research experience in haematology or immunology with a strong track record of primary cell culture and flow cytometric analysis.