Research Fellow in Cellular and Tissue Biology

Defining the mechanisms of mechano-integration in the growing limb

Life Sciences building, University of Southampton

The Wann group is based in the Life Sciences Building in Southampton with strong local links within Southampton biological sciences cell biology communities, and, through IFLS, the faculties of Medicine and Engineering. The lab has a central interest in cell and tissue decision making, working on fundamental biological questions concerning mechanobiology, primary cilia, and tissue morphogenesis but also clinically-relevant projects related to MSK disease. The lab works closely with the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Oxford and colleagues at Diamond Lightsource, Queen Mary University of London, the University of Bristol and Harvard Medical School.

An exciting opportunity now presents itself for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join a mature BBSRC-funded project investigating how mechanical forces shape the biology of the growing adolescent epiphysis. It is following up previous published findings from the lab (Coveney et al. 2022, JBMR). This project is a collaboration between Wann, Sansom & Vincent (KIR, Oxford) and Armstrong (Bristol) laboratories, bringing together pre-clinical models of MSK development, genetic in vivo models including lineage tracing, bulk, single cell and spatial transcriptomics and 3D in vitro models of stem cell and MSK mechanobiology biology.

This role will lead the exploration of cellular mechanisms in vitro, further developing and exploiting a model of endochondral ossification (Li et al. 2019) in order to test hypotheses generated by in vivo and transcriptomic datasets generated by other researchers in the group.

The post-holder will possess expertise in one or more approaches related to cell and tissue culture and biology, cellular signalling, imaging, MSK mechanobiology, stem cell biology and 3D cell systems. As required, time will be dedicated to learning new techniques to deliver the research and helping train more junior members of the laboratory.

You will be motivated, educated to PhD level in a relevant subject area and, as this project is likely to have multiple avenues of further development opening in the future, have an ambition to contribute to further funding including fellowships.

The position is full-time and for 25 months in the first instance. The start date is flexible but the successful candidate is ideally expected to be in post by 1st Feb 2025. For an informal discussion or to arrange a visit please contact Dr Angus Wann ([email protected])

As a founding signatory of the Athena SWAN charter, and holder of a silver award, we’re committed to improving equality.

We aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and are proactive in fostering a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity. We believe that we can only truly meet our objectives if we are reflective of society, so we are passionate about creating a working environment in which you are free to bring your whole self to work.

As well as additional benefits that will make your life easier, such as a generous holiday allowance and additional university closure days. We will help you find a good work-life balance with flexible, or even part-time, working hours. We will support your long-term future too, with access to the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS)*, subsidised health and fitness facilities and a range of discounts.

Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

Closing Date: 15 Nov 2024

Section: Education, Research & Enterprise

Salary: £35,880 to £40,247 Per annum
Full Time Fixed Term for 25 months