Help uncover how plastic pollution may be fuelling the global liver disease epidemic and join a pioneering team advancing environmental hepatology
About the role
This is a fully funded two year post-doctoral position, with generous consumable funding allocated, based in the Centre for Environmental Hepatology, led by Professor Shilpa Chokshi within the Peninsula Medical School. The Centre investigates how environmental pollutants, particularly micro- and nanoplastics, affect liver health and disease. Find out more about our work at www.plymouth.ac.uk/research/centre-of-environmental-hepatology.
You will contribute to a cutting-edge project investigating how micro- and nanoplastics drive liver inflammation and disease. Using patient samples and advanced human models including patient-derived precision-cut liver slices, you will explore the immunological effects of real-world plastic exposures. With emerging evidence linking micro- and nanoplastics to liver disease, understanding their contribution to inflammation, oxidative stress and carcinogenesis is increasingly important.
The project brings together expertise in hepatology, immunology microbiology, toxicology and environmental science, with strong collaborations across the University and internationally. You will also benefit from close clinical links with the Hepatology Research Group at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, providing access to patient samples and opportunities for highly translational research.
The Peninsula Medical School provides a supportive and collaborative research environment, with strong NHS partnerships and a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
You will have:
- A PhD, or equivalent in a relevant field such as liver biology, immunology, toxicology, environmental health or biomedical sciences.
- A demonstrable track record of high-quality peer-reviewed publications that demonstrates strong research skills and critical thinking.
- Experience working with cell culture, tissues and/or advanced experimental models of disease.
- Experience in relevant immunological, molecular and cellular techniques such as flow cytometry, qPCR, ELISA, confocal microscopy, immunofluorescence or multiplex cytokine analysis.
- Experience in the analysis and interpretation of complex biological data. Competence in statistical analysis, data handling and experience with software such as GraphPad Prism, R or SPSS.
- Excellent communication, presentation and scientific writing skills with strong organisational skills with the ability to manage priorities and deliver high-quality research.
- A proactive and collaborative approach to working within an interdisciplinary research team.
You do not need to meet every one of these criteria to apply. If your experience is a strong match for most of them, we would still like to hear from you.
Please demonstrate in your supporting statement how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training and experience section of the job description.
For more information on Peninsula Medical School please visit our dedicated webpage at https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/schools
Due to the nature of the role, unfortunately we are unable to accommodate working from home.
The successful candidate may be required to obtain an ATAS Certificate prior to this research being undertaken.
For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Shilpa Chokshi: by email at [email protected]
For more information about the job and the person specification, please refer to the job description.
About us
The Faculty of Health holds four Silver Athena Swan awards, which recognise our commitment to supporting gender equality within higher education.
The University of Plymouth has a strong interdisciplinary research ethos which is supported by our two strategic Research Institutes; the Marine Institute and the Sustainable Earth Institute. As a member of our academic community, you’ll be expected to contribute to our recognised research strengths. Working holistically across the University, you will be challenged to innovate, collaborate and deliver impactful research contributions as part of a systems thinking approach to addressing today’s global challenges.
Application Process
Please apply online, demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training, skills and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.
Following the closing date of the vacancy, you will be notified on the outcome of your application in due course.
Our Offer
Staff appointed within the Faculty of Health may be able to join the NHS pension scheme subject to eligibility criteria.
We have a wide range of staff benefits available to employees, depending on eligibility:
- Generous annual leave: 35 Days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays & Closure Days
- Generous pension scheme
- Cycle to Work & Electric Car Scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Development opportunities
- Enhanced family leave
- Flexible working
- Retailer discounts
- On-site nursery
Additional Information
The University of Plymouth is building an inclusive and equitable university where everyone feels represented, supported, and empowered to thrive. Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion is guided by the Inclusive Institutions Framework, a strategic and externally validated approach that embeds these principles across the entire institution. To find out more please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages
