Research Associate

Advert

Research Associate (stem cell models)
Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences
School of Medicine
College of Biomedical and Life Sciences

We are seeking applications from highly motivated individuals for a post-doctoral Research Associate  working with the groups of Prof Caleb Webber and Dr Beccano-Kelly at the Dementia Research Centre in Cardiff University. The role will be focussed on the use of iPSC models of dopaminergic neurons and other cell types to understand the molecular dysfunction and genetic influences towards Parkinson’s Disease. We are looking for an enthusiastic individual with clear goals, a proactive and flexible attitude to work, and an interest in learning new concepts and technologies. The Centre provides an excellent research environment in an international and interactive atmosphere. 

UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) at Cardiff University is one of six new Dementia Research Institute UK centres. The UK DRI is a new well-funded institute focused on elucidating and targeting the pathways and mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative disease. You will work in a multidisciplinary environment with opportunities to grow your science. Beyond this, the UK DRI provides a premier research network across the UK and provides opportunities specifically for early career researchers (ECR), including scientific meetings, training opportunities and ECR-focussed funding calls. 

You should have a PhD degree in neuroscience, stem cell research or equivalent experience. Experience in human pluripotent stem cell culture, neuronal differentiation techniques and cellular phenotyping would be highly advantageous, as would experience in cellular imaging techniques such as confocal microscopy and immunohistochemistry and/or RNA sequencing preparation.

For informal enquiries please contact Professor Caleb Webber on [email protected]  

This post is full-time (35 hours per week), available from 1st January 2024 and fixed term until 31st December 2027 based at the Hadyn Ellis Building, Cathays campus. 

Salary: £39,347 – £44,263 per annum (Grade 6).  Appointments to roles at Cardiff University are usually made at bottom of scale unless in exceptional circumstances.

The majority of roles at Cardiff University are currently operating under “blended working” arrangements, with staff having the flexibility to work partly from home and partly from the University campus depending on specific business requirements. Discussions around these arrangements can take place after the successful candidate has been appointed.

Cardiff University offers many excellent benefits, including 45 days annual leave (incl bank holidays), local pension scheme, a cycle to work scheme and other travel initiatives, annual increments within the pay scale, and more. It is an exciting and vibrant place to work, with many different challenges and is a proud Living Wage supporter.

How we will support you in performing in this role – 

There are some things that you must have before you can start this role (see ‘Essential Criteria’), but other things can be developed either through training, or just by general on-the-job experience.  We want to support and develop you once you have started in the role using a combination of the following to get the best out of you:

1.    Regular one-to-ones with your manager
2.    An experienced and supportive team around you
3.    Supporting you through job-relevant training and development that you may require
4.    A mentoring scheme

Date Advertised: 19 January 2024

Closing date: 16 February 2024

Please be aware that Cardiff University reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age.  In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at:  Responsible research assessment – Research – Cardiff University

Job Description

Job Purpose

To conduct research for a Parkinson’s UK and UK Dementia Research Institute (DRI) funded project to explore cellular dysfunction regarding a novel pathway identified within neurons vulnerable in PD. The project aims to elucidate mechanisms underlying Parkinson’s disease using iPSC models and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out high impact research resulting in high-quality publications in international journals. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.

Duties and Responsibilities

Research

• To conduct research to elucidate cellular dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease using iPSC models and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students.
• To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals.
• To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required.
• To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of project meetings and documentation and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
• To prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate
• To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field of Parkinson’s Disease.
• To participate in School research activities.
• To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions,   explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects.

Other

• To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally to raise awareness of the School’s profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile.

• To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
• To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world
• Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role

Person Specification

Essential Criteria 

Qualifications and Education

Postgraduate degree at PhD level in neuroscience, stem cell research or equivalent or relevant industrial experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within the following research fields:
–  Human pluripotent stem cell culture
–  Neuronal differentiation

A knowledge of current status of research in pluripotent stem cells, neural development and neurodegenerative diseases.

Proven ability to publish in national/international journals.

Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies.

Communication and Team Working

Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication.

Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals.

Other

Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work.

Proven ability to work without close supervision.

Desirable Criteria

Experience in CRISPR genome editing of mammalian cells and/or using gene expression modulating tools such as siRNA/shRNA.

Extensive experience in the use of imaging programmes such as Photoshop, image J, Cell Profiler etc.

Experience in molecular biology and knowledge/experience in ‘Omics’ technologies.

Experience in RNA handling, preparation and RNA-seq and/or drug screening analysis.

Additional Information

IMPORTANT: Evidencing Criteria
Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria as well as, where relevant, the desirable criteria.

As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement. Please ensure when submitting this document / attaching it to you application profile you name it with the vacancy reference number, in this instance, 17720BR

Job Category

Academic – Research