The omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids found in some marine fish are well-known to benefit human health, but their production represents a significant, unsustainable drain on marine ecosystems. We wish to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to an ongoing project to investigate the effectiveness of the seed oil from a transgenic plant that produces these omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids as a sustainable, scalable alternative source of these nutrients to marine wild capture.
The specific purpose of the project that the appointee will join is to test whether fortification of novel foods with this transgenic seed oil alters the bio-availability in healthy humans of the omega-3 fatty acids of interest. This project is funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council This study builds on our previous work that is summarised in which showed the transgenic seed oil was well tolerated by the trial participants and induced equivalent changes in blood and cell fatty acid compositions to fish oil.
The current project is a collaboration between Rothamsted Research, the department of Food Sciences, at the University of Reading and the School of Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, at the University of Southampton where the appointee will be based. The post-holder will be expected to travel occasionally to the collaborating centres.
The successful applicant will have PhD* in Nutrition or a related discipline. Experience in conducting human dietary intervention trials is essential and experience in fatty acid analysis by capillary gas chromatography would be a distinct advantage. Excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills are also essential for this role, which will involve liaising with research nurses at the NIHR Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility which is based in the Southampton Centre for Biomedical Research at Southampton General Hospital, and with staff at the collaborating centres. The post-holder will also be responsible for recruiting members of the public to take part in the trial.
This post is full-time (100% FTE), funded by UKRI, for 12 months. Flexible or part-time working will be considered. Informal enquiries are very welcome. Please contact Professor Graham Burdge (g.c.burdge@soton.ac.uk) for further information.
*Applications will NOT be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. A standard DBS check will be required for this role.
Further details:
The University of Southampton actively promotes the equality, diversity and inclusion of its staff and students. We welcome applicants that value the diversity of our community and are willing to play their part in supporting the University’s mission of inclusivity.
Application Procedure
The application deadline is midnight on the closing date stated above. If you need assistance, call Recruitment on +44 (0) 23 8059 2750, or email recruitment@soton.ac.uk. Quote the advert reference 2146723AF on all correspondence.
We believe equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to making the University of Southampton a welcoming, vibrant and successful organisation. Having a diverse workforce, inclusive of people of all ages and beliefs, from different racial, educational and social backgrounds opens up a wealth of possibilities, makes us more creative and accelerates our impact on society. We welcome applicants that value the diversity of our community and are willing to play their part in supporting the mission of inclusivity.
Further details:
Location: Southampton General Hospital
Salary: £33,314 to £40,931 Per annum
Full Time Fixed Term to 29/02/2024
Closing Date: Thursday 16 February 2023
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Reference: 2146723AF