Job Description

We're recruiting for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join us for 12 months to investigate the effects of the environmental pollutant carbon monoxide (CO) on platelet function and signalling: The Role of CO in clotting. This study is funded by the CO Research Trust.

Background:

CO is a byproduct of the incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels, forming when fuels burn in limited oxygen. Common sources include traffic emissions, industrial processes, tobacco smoke, and domestic combustion (e.g. poorly ventilated stoves or heaters). While CO at low concentrations acts as a physiological signalling molecule, elevated environmental exposure is a significant public health concern with well-documented toxic effects, especially on the cardiovascular system.

Project Overview:

Platelets are critical regulators of haemostasis and inflammation, and may play a key role in mediating the vascular effects of CO exposure. However, this interaction remains poorly understood. This project aims to determine how environmentally relevant concentrations of CO influence:
Platelet activation and aggregation

Intracellular signalling pathways

Platelet-endothelial cell interactions


The research has implications for understanding cardiovascular disease risk, thrombosis, and systemic inflammation.

Candidate Requirements

: Applicants You should have completed (or be close to completing) a PhD in Cell Biology, Haematology, or a related discipline, and must have a strong research track record, experience with cell culture model systems, proficiency in flow cytometry, confocal microscopy or other advanced imaging techniques.

Experience in blood handling, platelet biology, haemostasis, or vascular inflammation would be advantageous but not essential.

This 12-month funding will support the expansion of ongoing research within the Stafford and Herigstad Carbon Monoxide (CO) Group. You will join a dynamic and thriving team of CO researchers, including PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, technicians and academic staff, contributing to a collaborative and supportive environment.

The study is led by Dr Prachi Stafford with Dr Mari Herigstad and Dr Caroline Dalton, as collaborators.

You will be based at the Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre (BMRC) at Sheffield Hallam University, which houses state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and is part of the Sheffield Multimodal Imaging Centre (SMIC). The BMRC has established expertise in microbiology, cell biology, and mass spectrometry imaging, and the PDRA will work closely with a multidisciplinary team.

This post also offers an excellent opportunity for academic career advancement and Sheffield Hallam University provides a range of internal development opportunities for research staff. The PDRA will be part of a wider research community that includes over 40 research students within the BMRC and more than 100 across the College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences. The BMRC is proud to hold an Athena SWAN Silver Award, reflecting its ongoing commitment to equality and diversity.

For informal enquiries about this job, please contact Prachi Stafford, Study lead at p.stafford@shu.ac.uk or Dr Caroline Dalton at c.f.dalton@shu.ac.uk

We offer a diverse range of benefits and opportunities to pursue a rewarding and fulfilling career in a supportive environment.

You will be contractually enrolled into the Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS) - one of the largest and most generous defined benefit pension schemes in the country.
Find out more about the TPS.

If you are, or have been, a recent member of the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) directly prior to joining us, you can choose to opt out of the TPS and remain in the USS. Please contact the Pensions team to discuss options available.

For this job, we particularly welcome applications from minority ethnic applicants who are underrepresented in this area/ this type of job at Sheffield Hallam.

The University may be able to sponsor the employment of international applicants in this role; this will depend on a number of factors specific to the individual applicant.

We welcome applications for flexible working arrangements.

To find out more, take a look at our guide to applying.

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