Job Specifications
About The Role
Informal Queries
For informal queries, please contact Jake Brooks, Assistant Professor, at Jake.Brooks@warwick.ac.uk.
Flexible Working
We will consider applications for employment on a part-time or other flexible working basis (e.g. job share), despite the position being advertised as full-time.
We are seeking to appoint a Research Fellow for a Race Against Dementia–funded project, led by Principal Investigator Dr Jake Brooks, titled “Metal nanoparticles in the olfactory bulb: investigating origins, impact, and implications for tackling dementia.”
The project aims to use advanced chemical imaging techniques to study the presence of metal-rich particles in olfactory bulb tissue and examine how they interact with key neuropathological features such as amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and Lewy bodies. The research will help improve understanding of how air pollution may contribute to different forms of dementia.
You will carry out both independent and collaborative research, focusing on histological and/or immunohistochemical staining of postmortem brain tissue to identify regions of neuropathology. The role involves developing protocols, preparing samples, and characterising tissue features in mouse and human brain samples using techniques such as light and fluorescence microscopy, along with advanced methods including electron microscopy, X-ray fluorescence, and synchrotron X-ray spectromicroscopy.
You will be a key member of the research team, helping manage the laboratory environment and essential materials. This includes maintaining laboratory equipment, overseeing chemical and tissue inventories in line with HTA regulations, managing safety documentation, supporting the training of junior lab members, and contributing to tissue requests from partner brain banks.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who has prior experience in histology and is interested in applying it within an exciting and developing field.
About You
You will have a PhD (or be near completion) or equivalent in a relevant discipline and will have the knowledge and capacity to work with the project team to undertake original research. The role requires proven experience in tissue handling and histology. The role also requires strong analytical skills, such as experience analysing spectroscopy data.
You will possess both quantitative and qualitative research skills in physical experimental work in both laboratory and fieldwork environments. Strong communication skills including the ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing is essential. You will have excellent time management and IT skills.
Under the guidance of your line manager, you will also support management and administrative tasks within your area, helping the team deliver high-quality research outcomes while maintaining research integrity and prioritising health, safety, and wellbeing.
You may bring the following specific expertise, which while not essential, will be advantageous to the role: knowledge of neuropathology, experience in using different types of microscopy, experience with HTA-relevant material, and custodianship of a relevant laboratory environment (e.g. microscopy / wet lab / histology / cell culture / tissue culture).
For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.
PhD Status
If you are near submission of your PhD, or have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made at Research Assistant level, at the highest spinal point of pay grade 5 (£34,610 per annum).
Upon receipt of evidence confirming the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow, at the lowest spinal point of grade 6 (£35,608 per annum).
About The Department
The post will be based at University of Warwick within the Trace Metals in Medicine Laboratory, located in the School of Engineering: one of the leading unified Engineering schools in the UK. University of Warwick ensures access to an integrated network of world-class analytical technologies campus-wide, through our Research Technology Platforms that support users from all departments.
Occasional offsite visit to synchrotron facilities (e.g. Diamond Light Source, ESRF, MaxIV) and Tissue Banks (e.g. Newcastle Brain Tissue Resource) may be required.
The University aims to promote work life balance for all employees, and the School of Engineering will consider a range of possible flexible working arrangements in order to recruit the best candidate.
The School of Engineering is committed to the principles of the Athena SWAN Charter, which recognises work undertaken to address gender equality, representation and progression for all staff working in an academic environment. The School currently holds the Athena SWAN Gold award and the University holds an Institutional Silver award. Further information about the work of the School in relation to Athena SWAN can
About the Company
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