At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct fieldwork and research on health and safety for female garment workers.
- Company: Join a leading School of Geography focused on impactful, interdisciplinary research.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative environment with opportunities for knowledge exchange and professional growth.
- Other info: This is a full-time, fixed-term position from September 2025 to April 2026.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in women's wellbeing in the global garment industry while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Recent PhD graduates in human geography or related fields with fieldwork experience are encouraged to apply.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
Closing Date Wednesday 08 October 2025
Reference MED228025
This is a 7-month project funded by The Medical Research Foundation at the interface of cancer biology and neuronal function investigating how cancer and cancer chemotherapy impacts on sensitisation and pain. As part of a multidisciplinary team based in Nottingham, this Post-Doctoral Research Associate/Fellow will support the project entitled \"Extracellular vesicles as conduits for the transfer of biologically active compounds which mediate cancer chemotherapy based pain in early life\". The scientist appointed to this role will undertake laboratory-based research to identify and characterise the cargo of extracellular vesicles (EV) derived from chemotherapy treated medulloblastoma (the most common malignant brain tumour in childhood)cell lines, investigate how these alter the functional properties of sensory neurons and determine their biodistribution and impact on pain behaviours in laboratory rodents. Pain is the primary side-effect of cancer chemotherapy and not only impacts patients undergoing treatment but also significantly impacts cancer survivors leading to long-lasting, deleterious effects on mental and physical health as well as engagement with wider society. This is especially true when cancer occurs in childhood where chemotherapy induced pain can lead to alterations in the development and maturation of both peripheral and central nervous systems, which can result in long-term changes in neuronal function and pain processing.
This is a truly innovative and ground-breaking collaborative project between the PI Prof Gareth Hathway (School of Life Sciences), and the Co-Is Dr Federico Dajas-Bailador (School of Life Sciences), Prof Beth Coyle (School of Medicine) and Prof Vicky James (School of Veterinary Medicine). The research team comprise expertise in childhood pain, molecular and cellular neuroscience, cancer biology, extracellular vesicle biology and in vivo modelling. The project itself will combine expertise in neuroscience and cancer biology and has the potential to lead to findings which can be rapidly translated into patient benefit.
Responsibilities
- The post holder will be expected to undertake independent research as well as working as part of a multidisciplinary team that will employ experimental approaches, techniques and methodologies appropriate to the type of research needed at each stage of the project.
- The postdoctoral researcher will also be responsible for writing up and presenting their work in order to contribute to scientific meetings and published outcomes.
- The candidate should enjoy teamwork and should have excellent communication skills as well as the ability to work across different areas of the biomedical sciences.
Contract and Requirements
This is a FTC, full time position.
Contact
For more information or an informal discussion please contact Prof Gareth Hathway ( gareth.hathway@nottingham.ac.uk ).
Research Associate/Fellow (FTC) employer: University Of Nottingham
Join a dynamic and inclusive team at the School of Geography, where we prioritise high-quality research and impactful knowledge transfer. As a Research Associate/Fellow, you will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful work that addresses critical issues facing female garment workers, while benefiting from a supportive environment that fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate/Fellow (FTC)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific research themes of the project, particularly around gender and health in the garment industry. This will not only help you understand the context better but also allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of human geography and gender studies. Attend relevant conferences or webinars where you can meet researchers and practitioners who might provide insights or even referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your fieldwork experiences in detail, especially any work you've done with garment worker communities. Highlight specific methodologies you've used, such as qualitative interviews or participatory methods, to demonstrate your hands-on expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider reaching out to Dr Sabina Lawreniuk before applying. An informal chat can give you valuable insights into the role and expectations, and it shows your genuine interest in the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate/Fellow (FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and requirements. Highlight your relevant experience in human geography, fieldwork with garment worker communities, and knowledge of gender and labour issues.
Craft a Tailored Cover Letter:Write a compelling cover letter that specifically addresses how your skills and experiences align with the project’s focus on health and safety in the garment industry. Mention your familiarity with feminist and participatory research methods.
Update Your CV:Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your academic qualifications, research experience, and any relevant publications. Emphasise your fieldwork experience and any collaborative projects you’ve been involved in.
Follow Application Instructions:Make sure to submit your application through the University’s online system as specified. Double-check that all required documents, including your CV and cover letter, are included and formatted correctly before hitting submit.
How to prepare for a job interview at University Of Nottingham
✨Understand the Research Focus
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the research project, especially its focus on gendered health and safety in the garment industry. Familiarise yourself with the specific countries involved and the unique challenges faced by female workers in these regions.
✨Showcase Your Fieldwork Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous fieldwork experiences, particularly with garment worker communities. Highlight any relevant methodologies you've used, such as qualitative interviews or participatory methods, and how they relate to the role.
✨Demonstrate Interdisciplinary Knowledge
Since the position involves collaboration across various disciplines, be ready to talk about your understanding of human geography, gender studies, and labour issues. Show how your background can contribute to the interdisciplinary nature of the research team.
✨Prepare for Impact-Focused Discussions
Think about how your research can influence non-academic audiences. Be ready to discuss strategies for disseminating findings and engaging with external stakeholders, as this is a key aspect of the role.
