Job Description

Applications are invited for six Research Associate positions based in the new Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence (MRC CoRE) in Exposome Immunology, hosted jointly by the universities of Manchester and Oxford. The CoRE will leverage cutting edge computational approaches, novel experimental models, and experimental medicine studies to uncover how pollutants and infections interact with our genes to cause and exacerbate chronic inflammatory diseases.
The successful PDRAs will form the foundation of our centre, working on six complementary projects that form our initial research portfolio. As such, the research will be highly collaborative in nature, with the post-holders often working across research groups to follow new leads and generate preliminary data that can underpin subsequent grant applications and high impact publications. Depending on progress of their individual projects, researchers may be required to transfer their focus to other emerging priorities within the centre. Successful applicants will have (or be about to obtain) a PhD in computational biology or computer science, with knowledge of multimodal spatial omics data integration and machine learning algorithms.
Project title:
Multimodal AI for Immunology Applicants are invited for the post of PDRA in Multimodal AI for Immunology. The post-holder will develop multimodal deep learning models to predict spatial lung tissue architecture and alterations directly from unseen H&E images. These models will be trained using paired spatial transcriptomics (10x Visium), spatial proteomics (Hyperion Imaging Mass Cytometry) and H&E data from COPD/non-COPD control cohorts. In addition, the post holder will design machine learning models to associate spatial lung remodelling with blood-based biomarkers. Using paired single-cell RNAseq data from blood and spatial omics from the same cohort, the goal is to uncover links between circulating immune programmes and spatial features. The project will demonstrate that histopathology images and routine blood biomarkers can serve as cost effective proxies for expensive spatial omics assays. As well as developing a cutting-edge technical programme of research, the successful candidate would also be expected to participate in the broader research activities of the Menon and Georgaka groups, including joint lab meetings and interdisciplinary seminars.
What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we support an inclusive working environment and welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.
Our University is positive about flexible working - you can find out more
Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.
Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.
Any CV's submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.
Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:
Name: Dr Madhvi Menon and Dr Sokratia Georgaka
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General enquiries:
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This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.
Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.
Please be aware that due to the number of applications we are unfortunately not able to provide individual feedback on your application.

Skills Required