Research Associate

About the role

This post-doctoral position is funded by a LEO Foundation research grant held jointly by Prof Timothy Vyse (PI), Dr Deborah Cunninghame Graham (co-PI) and Dr Thomas Tull (co-PI).  The post-holder will work in a multi-disciplinary group based in the Departments of Medical and Molecular Genetics and Dermatology.

Discoid lupus (DLE) is an autoimmune skin of unknown aetiology, characterised by persisting inflamed, debilitating skin lesions. These lesions contain clusters of T and B lymphocytes, which may assemble into tertiary lymphoid aggregates (TLA). The factors driving skin homing, residence and the maintenance of TLAs are largely unknown.  Co-stimulatory molecules, such as OX40 and OX40L, expressed on activated T and B cells respectively, mediate the immune response in systemic lupus. Given the overlap of DLE with systemic disease, we propose that these co-stimulatory signals mediate persistence of skin lesions.

Purpose of the role:  The successful applicant will undertake the analysis of spatial transcriptomic and proteomic datasets to define the 3D architecture of immune cells enriched in the TLAs.   The post-holder will develop novel bioinformatics tools to interpret the colocolisation of transcriptomic and proteomic signals within lymphoid aggregates.to understand how inflammatory signals influence the costimulatory signal between OX40 and OX40L.  Another position on the grant is in post and leading the data generation with whom this post holder must work closely and effectively.  The post-doc will be expected to collate and harmonise a range of clinical and experimental data into a project database in preparation for analysis.  S/he will have experience in the use and interpretation of immunofluorescence microscopy to identify the lymphocyte subsets in DLE lesions, distinguish potential skin homing molecules on their cell surface and characterise the immune environment bathing the TLAs.  The post-doc will work in a multi-disciplinary environment, alongside data analysts in a group including PhD students as well as master’s and undergraduate students undertaking research projects.  The post-holder will take responsibility for explaining the analytical approaches to the data analysis team and working with the wet-lab scientists to contribute to the biological interpretation of the data.

This is a full-time post and you will be offered a fixed-term contract for up to 2 years.

About you

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

• PhD in Bio-informatics, Statistical Genetics, Genetics or related subject
• Proven experience working with human blood samples and in harmonising clinical data from collaborating groups prior to statistical analyses
• Experience in the design and analysis of spatial proteomics datasets
• Comprehensive skills in the downstream analysis and results interpretation of spatial transcriptomic and proteomic datasets
• Demonstration of a creative and adaptable use of novel bioinformatics tools across UNIX/Linux, Python R interpretation of mulit-omic datasets

Desirable criteria

• Experience working in a multi-disciplinary environment, exhibiting strong organizational & problem-solving skills
• Proven expertise in immunological mechanisms of disease and / or immunofluorescence microscopy panels & their data interpretation
• Proven ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with wide range of persons of differing level, abilities & knowledge
• Show a high degree of self-motivation and initiative and ability to work independently and collaborate within teams to meet project deadlines
• Demonstrate flexible thinking, the ability to develop novel analytic or experimental systems and research strategies

Interviews are due to be held in October 2026.

This post is subject to Occupational Health clearances.