Research Associate (Blouet and Káradóttir Labs)

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Cambridge invites applications for a Research Associate to work on recruiting oligodendrocyte lineage cells and test metabolic pathways in neurodegenerative disease. The post involves collaboration across laboratories, stereotaxic surgery, histology, imaging, and single-nucleus transcriptomics with access to state-of-the-art facilities.

The successful candidate will hold a PhD in neuroscience or a related field, be highly organized, and able to work independently and with teams.

Qualifications

• PhD in neuroscience or related discipline.
• Experience with in vivo rodent work and stereotaxic surgery required.
• Training provided where needed; highly organized and collaborative.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in vivo demyelinating lesion models and stereotaxic surgeries.
• Perform histology, imaging and electrophysiological recordings as needed.
• Analyze data and communicate results across laboratories.

Skills

in vivo rodent work

stereotaxic surgery

histology

imaging

electrophysiology

data analysis

Education

PhD in neuroscience or related discipline

Tools

Histology equipment

Imaging systems

snRNA-seq

Job description

Oligodendrocyte progenitor cells are now recognised as stem cells of the adult brain, recruited for learning and repair throughout life. This project aims at testing innovative ways of recruiting oligodendrocyte lineage cells in neurodegenerative disease by targeting metabolic pathways.

This post is part of a new collaborative research programme at the University of Cambridge based across the laboratories of Professor Clémence Blouet (Institute of Metabolic Science) and Professor Ragnhildur Thóra Káradóttir (Cambridge Stem Cell Institute; Director of the MS Society Cambridge Centre for Myelin Repair). The project is funded by Eli Lilly and will test the idea that targeting incretin receptor agonists can promote remyelination and support brain repair in progressive multiple sclerosis.

The successful candidate will work across both laboratories. The project will involve focal demyelinating lesion models, stereotaxic surgery and pharmacological interventions, in vivo recordings of neuronal activity, histology and imaging, and single-nucleus transcriptomics.

This is a unique opportunity to work at the interface of metabolic science and neuroscience in a collaborative translational environment, with access to state-of-the-art facilities across the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, the Institute of Metabolic Science, and the wider Cambridge Biomedical Campus.

Requirements

• Applicants should hold a PhD in neuroscience or a related discipline. A strong background in in vivo rodent work is essential. Experience with several of the required techniques is important, including stereotaxic surgery, histology, imaging, or electrophysiological techniques, particularly in vivo. We will provide training where needed . The successful candidate must be highly organised, able to work both independently and collaboratively, and have strong analytical and communication skills.
• Start date is as soon as possible.
• Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check), health assessment and security check.
• Informal enquiries are welcome via email to Professor Clémence Blouet ([e-mail]) or Professor Ragnhildur Thóra Káradóttir ([e-mail]).
• Applicants must have (or be close to obtaining) a PhD.
• Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5, Point 38 £34,132) moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of your PhD award.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 24 months in the first instance.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.