Medical Engineering Research in the Spinal Cord

We are seeking to recruit an independent Fellow in an exciting new multi-disciplinary initiative between biological scientists and engineers (MERITS – Medical Engineering Research in the Spinal Cord).  To facilitate interaction between biologists and engineers the Fellow will ideally have expertise in neural stem cells, in vivo imaging and/or molecular cell biology coupled with a background in, or understanding of, spinal cord injury.

We have a thriving group of biologists studying spinal cord structure and function (http://www.fbs.leeds.ac.uk/research/neural.php), including spinal cord injury – neural regeneration and functional recovery, spinal cord circuitry controlling autonomic nervous output, spinal motor neurophysiology, sensory neurones involved in pain pathways, dorsal horn circuitry in pain pathways. Our technical expertise and equipment capabilities include spinal cord injury and rehabilitation; neuronal tracing; patch clamp electrophysiology in spinal slices and isolated cells and imaging techniques such as TIRF imaging in isolated cells; fluorescence, confocal, super-resolution and electron microscopy. A small animal imaging suite to include MRI and 2-photon imaging is under construction. Acting as catalyst for collaboration across the Faculty and the University, in particular with the School of Mechanical Engineering, you will work in partnership with academics with expertise in spinal biomechanics, experimental and computational simulation, tissue engineering (http://www.imbe.leeds.ac.uk) and robotics (http://www.engineering.leeds.ac.uk/idro/research/).

You will align yourself with the University and Faculty strategy including the development of a vibrant and sustained research portfolio. You will co-supervise PhD students and work on and further develop the Medical Sciences programme. You would also be expected to submit grant applications for a personal fellowship (e.g. an EPSRC/BBSRC early-career Fellowship; Leverhulme Fellowship; Horizon 2020) and small individual or networking research grants as well as work with colleagues across the schools to submit larger grants.

You will also have significant proven research experience within the field of spinal cord injury and a clear and compelling vision for personal academic development. The ability to teach at both Undergraduate and Postgraduate level is also desirable.

A proven record of achievement in international quality publications is essential to contribute to the University’s ambition to excel at REF2020. In addition, the candidate will provide research supervision and attract research students to the University and undertake a teaching load deemed appropriate by the Head of School, which will be significantly reduced in the first years of the fellowship.

University Grade 8 (£38,511 to £45,954)

For informal enquiries about the role please contact Professor Jim Deuchars, tel: +44 (0)113 343 5594, email: J.Deuchars@leeds.ac.uk.

Ref: FBSBM1001

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