An exciting opportunity for a Research Fellow position based in the Department of Pathology and Infectious Diseases at the University of Surrey, within the new School of Veterinary Medicine.

You will be part of a vibrant, inter-disciplinary research team with a strong international reputation in animal tuberculosis within the department of pathology and infectious diseases. A major focus of the department is research into the detailed mechanisms that bacterial pathogens of veterinary and medical importance employ in order to colonise the host. Through a greater understanding of the pathobiology of these economically important pathogens we hope to develop novel intervention strategies.

The focus of this project will be to produce an in vitro tissue culture model of the bovine pulmonary alveolus to provide a physiologically relevant model with which to study early events in the interaction of mycobacteria with the bovine lung. You will be an important member of the research within the School of Veterinary Medicine and wider Faculty with responsibility for developing and evaluating this novel model as an alternative to the use of animals in tuberculosis research. You will be supported in this by interaction with project collaborators with expertise and resources in bovine tuberculosis from the Animal and Plant Health Agency(https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/animal-and-plant-health-agency) located 15 miles from the University. You will be expected to contribute to the training ethos of the Vet School and to supervise students, as required.

The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in cell biology and host-pathogen interactions and be committed to the 3Rs. Candidates with recent experience of isolating and immortalizing primary cells are particularly sought. Experience of in vitro models and working with mycobacteria to ACDP CL3 would be an advantage. The candidate must be able to articulate the 3Rs and be committed to championing their application to biological research. Some experience of one or more of the following: imaging, flow cytometry, histology and immunology would also be advantageous.

In addition to your salary you will receive a generous annual leave entitlement, relocation assistance where appropriate, attractive research environments, the latest teaching facilities, and access to a variety of staff development opportunities. Furthermore, our benefit packages include pension, childcare assistance and discounted membership to University Sports Park.

The University of Surrey is located on a beautiful, leafy campus in Guildford, just 30 miles from London and benefits from excellent rail and road connections.

For an informal discussion or further details, please contact: Professor Mark Chambers – m.chambers@surrey.ac.uk