Overview
Research Assistant in the NanoImmunology & Molecular Pharmaceutics group (AP12949) – Bath, BA2 7AY
About the role
We are seeking a highly motivated research assistant to join the NanoImmunology and Molecular Pharmaceutics group, led by Dr. Iris Da Luz Batalha, within the Department of Life Sciences.
Specifically, the successful candidate will be working on a highly interdisciplinary project, funded by the Raymond Schinazi Award, in collaboration with Prof. David Tosh and Dr. Albert Bolhuis. The project aims to investigate how the metabolism of lung-relevant commensal bacteria influences the ability of the pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa to infect the lungs and how this process might involve the Major Histocompatibility Complex class I-related protein (MR1) and specific T cell populations.
Your role within this project will be as a principal researcher responsible for project deliverables, including:
- Generation and characterisation of stem cell-derived lung epithelial cells, encompassing both wild-type and MR1-overexpressing phenotypes
- Establishment of air-liquid interface (ALI) cultures using the generated lung epithelial cell lines, with and without Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection, for in vitro modelling of respiratory pathogenesis
- Study the impact (or lack thereof) of commensal bacterial metabolism on MR1 presentation in the context of Pseudomonas infection
- Measure the activation of the specific T cell populations as a response to the presence of commensal bacteria and determine whether this was influenced by the overexpression of MR1
Ultimately, the goal is to understand the complex interplay between commensal bacteria, pathogen infection, and the immune response mediated by MR1 and specific T cells, with the potential to develop new therapeutic strategies for persistent lung infections like those seen in cystic fibrosis.
In addition, the successful candidate will be assisting with lab management tasks, including (i) equipment maintenance; (ii) ordering, stocking, and keeping an up-to-date inventory of lab supplies; (iii) maintaining a clean and organised lab environment; and (iv) ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
Our ideal candidate will have:
- A postgraduate degree in a relevant subject, such as Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacy, Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences, or similar.
- Lab experience in a relevant research field.
- Hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture, molecular biology techniques, flow cytometry, and bacterial culture.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Proven ability to excel at collaboration and teamwork, fostering productive relationships across multiple working groups and institutions.
Further information
Please note, this is a full time, fixed-term contract of 4 months.
For an informal discussion relating to the role, please contact Iris Da Luz Batalha, icdlb20@bath.ac.uk
As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days of professional development pro rata per year.
We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.
We’re very proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. an accredited Disability Confident Leader; autism friendly university, committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff.
What we can offer you:
We’re continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:
- Free counselling services through Health Assured
- Cycle to work scheme
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
- Staff discount at Team Bath gym
- Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees
- Staff discount on language courses
- Generous employer contributory pension schemes
- Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
- A wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and more
- Free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
- Local discounts and more
- A family-friendly workplace
- An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
- Relocation allowance
- Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses
Find out more about our benefits and watch the video to hear from our staff about what makes the University of Bath a great place to work as well as following us X and LinkedIn.
Closing Date: 27 Aug 2025
Department: Education & Research
Salary: £31,236 to £37,694
