Job Description

Position Details

Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, School of Infection, Inflammation and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health


Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK


Full time starting salary is normally in the range 32,546 to 35,116 with potential progression once in post to 39,355


Grade: 6


Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to January 2026


Closing date: 14th August 2025

Background

Applications are invited for a Full-time Research Assistant Position for the vision of studying tetraspanins in chronic liver disease. The project builds on identifying the potential impact of tetraspanins on liver epithelial cell cross talk with the immune system. The focus is to use human cellular models and test if targeting tetraspanins could be a new treatment target for patients with cirrhosis and hepatocellular cancer. The project is part of a larger research programme to identify new immunotherapies for liver disease and cancer within the Shetty group at the University of Birmingham.


The funding is for a 4 month period working in collaboration between the liver theme and the next generation them of the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre. A specific area involves the role of extracellular vesicles and their contribution to cellular cross talk in liver disease. The applicant will be based in the Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research at the University of Birmingham.


The Research Assistant will be responsible for cell isolation, cell culture and setting up cell cross talk assays following by analysis through imaging/molecular biology and flow cytometry. The candidate will be part of a team of researchers and clinicians working collaboratively to deliver this workstream.


To apply, please upload a cover letter and CV.


We expect to interview shortlisted candidates in person.

Role Summary

The role will involve primary cell isolation from liver tissue and blood, cell characterisation and crosstalk experiments with in depth analysis of transcriptional and protein changes.

Main Duties

Analyse and manage collected data as directed; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews and data upload Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research Participate in research team meetings To present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters To provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research Participate and contribute to public engagement events Analyse research data as directed Develop or adapt techniques, models and methods Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture

Person Specification

A MSc in immunology Experience of primary cell isolation from human liver tissue, specifically biliary epithelial cell isolation and culture Experience of peripheral blood immune cell isolation Cell cross talk assays with collection and analysis of conditioned media through protein analysis Molecular biology techniques of PCR/Western Blotting/ELISA Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence of liver tissue Experience of microscopy techniques including confocal microscopy Practical experience of working with extracellular vesicles (EVs) and characterising EVs Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively Ability to access and organise resources successfully Strong organisation and time-management skills Cooperative nature and strong teamwork skills, with a willingness to work as part of a large multi-disciplinary team Understanding of and ability to contribute to public engagement activities Strong IT skills Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day-to-day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Further particulars can be found here


Informal enquiries to Shishir Shetty, email: s.shetty@bham.ac.uk

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