iPLACENTA Marie Skłodowska-Curie ITN Early Stage Researcher ESR4 - Design and generation of in vitro models of diseased placenta to mimic the pathophysiology of preeclampsia and intra uterine growth restriction

University of Dundee is looking for an Early Stage Researcher (ESR) with a focus on generating disease models (preeclampsia (PE) and growth restriction) of the placenta. Based in Dr Murdoch’s lab in Molecular and Clinical Medicine division of School of Medicine, the candidate will have the opportunity to take secondments to clinical and industry partners within the iPLACENTA network.

University of Dundee
Based at Ninewells, one of Europe’s largest teaching hospitals, the School of Medicine provides high quality research and training environment for more than 500 scientist and clinicians. The discoveries of the staff within the School have led to new ways of diagnosing and treating major diseases such as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. School of medicine enjoys strong links with pharmaceutical companies and clinical expertise for large scale clinical trials. Delivering excellent learning experience and a vibrant student environment equipping post-graduates with the skills, knowledge and professional attributes to work within, shape and lead healthcare delivery in the 21st century.

Project description:
The focus of the project is to generate in vitro models to mimic placenta specific disease, using gene editing, cell isolation and stem cell research. Biochemical, molecular and cellular assays will be conducted to characterise the model in comparison with human samples. A combination of primary and human cell lines will be used to to manipulate and emulate disease
The functional consequence of gene manipulation will be central to validation such as cell mobility and secretion of vascular factors. In addition, endothelial function will be assessed in isolated blood vessels. The findings of this Ph.D will transfer technology to support the development of a placenta-on-a-chip at our industry partner, Mimetas. The candidate will develop skills and techniques including isolation and culture of human cell lines, protein biochemistry, stem cell biology, gene editing and molecular biology.

Why should you apply
You will part of the iPlacenta network, a European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme ITN, a collaborative multi- disciplinary and intersectoral network. You will have the opportunity to collaborate and undertake secondments with other groups within the network. In addition the training program will provide specialised courses involving business OpenScience for OpenInnovation and entrepreneurship.

Your profile:
- Interests in developing and translating technology to answer medical questions and solve healthcare problems in women health;
- Strong understanding of molecular and cell biology;
- You should be self-motivated, flexible and have a positive work attitude;
- You are expected to hold a minimum upper-second (or equivalent) under graduate
- Previous experience of stem cell or gene editing techniques would be advantageous.
- A Master qualification in a biomedical/biological science would be an advantage.
- Proficiency in English language.

Eligibility:
To this position applies a mobility rule. The respective candidate must not have worked for more than 12 months in the UK within the last three years. Furthermore, the candidate needs to be in his/her first four years of his/her research career. The four years are counted from the date a degree was obtained which formally entitles to embark on a doctorate in the country either in the country in which the degree was obtained or in the country in which the research training is provided.

Starting date: 1st Sept 2018
Duration: 36 months

How to apply:
Submit an application to [Email Address Removed]
Application form can be downloaded from http://www.iplacenta.eu
Interviews by teleconference: June-July

Deadline for application: Monday 18th June 2018 (Midnight-GMT)