Location: Brunel University London, Uxbridge Campus
Hours: Full-time (35 hours)
Contract Type: Fixed-term (20 months)
The McCarthy Lab has an exciting opportunity for a prospective Research Fellow who is interested in developing novel antimicrobials to tackle wound infections.
Wounds can create significant damage to human skin, compromising one of the key barriers to infection and the leading cause of death among burn wound patients is infection. Even in the patients that survive, infections can be notoriously difficult to treat and can cause lasting damage, with delayed healing and prolonged hospital stays. Biofilm formation at the wound site is a major contributing factor to the failure of frontline treatment regimens. Bacteria forming a biofilm are more resistant to disinfection, the rigors of the host immune system and critically, more tolerant to antibiotics. Wound associated biofilms are also thought to act as a launchpad for bacteria to establish deeper, systemic infection and ultimately bacteraemia and sepsis. This project aims to build on novel findings by the McCarthy Lab the artificial sweetener, acesulfame-K can inhibit the growth of prevalent wound pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii (PMID: 36412260). The project involves the development of novel ace-K loaded hydrogel and aerogel formulations and testing their efficacy against acute and chronic wound infections ex vivo and in vivo.
The successful candidate will be responsible for accurate and efficient data generation, data management, collation and the reporting of results to the project lead. The post-holder will need to demonstrate excellent attention to detail, organisational, team working and communication skills and have a keen interest in drafting research outputs for peer-review publication. The successful applicant will work closely with other researchers within the McCarthy Lab and with industrial and scientific partners in other centres.
Applicants must have a PhD in a relevant discipline. Experience and knowledge in the field of biofilm formation is essential. Experience with hydrogels and/or aerogels is also highly desirable. They should be enthusiastic, well-motivated and be able to work both independently and collaboratively. This position is available for 20 months and is supported by the Medical Research Council. Please include one paper or preprint that illustrates research skills that are relevant to this project.
The Division of Biosciences sits within the Department of Life Sciences. It is a large and expanding Division, delivering undergraduate programmes and postgraduate programmes. We work hard to provide a supportive and positive working environment and the Department of Life Sciences proudly holds an Athena SWAN Bronze Award. We are also a Disability Confident employer.
For further information, please contact Dr Ronan McCarthy [email protected]
Closing date for applications: Friday 24th November 2023 (Midnight)
Interviews will take place the week commencing: 4th of December 2023
If you have any technical issues please contact us at: [email protected]
Brunel University London is fully committed to creating and sustaining a fully inclusive workforce culture. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities, we particularly welcome applicants who are currently under-represented in our workforce.