Research Associate in Modelling Friedreich's Ataxia Using iPSC-derived Neurons

Institute for Modern; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to advance research on Friedreich’s ataxia using human iPSC-derived neuronal models. You will join a multidisciplinary team led by Dr Matt Livesey and Professors Shaw et al., contributing to translational neuroscience and therapeutic development.

The role covers planning and delivering experiments, data analysis, and methodological development; you will train students,

Qualifications

• PhD in Neuroscience or related field with demonstrable lab-based research experience.
• Ability to plan and deliver research independently within a collaborative environment.
• Experience with human iPSC models and neuronal differentiation is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver experimental studies using human iPSC-derived neuronal models.
• Analyse and interpret data and contribute to methodological development.
• Provide guidance and practical support to students and early career researchers.
• Contribute to publications and future funding applications.

Skills

Project planning

Data analysis

Independent researcher

Team mentoring

Education

PhD in Neuroscience

Tools

iPSC culture

Differentiation

Immunocytochemistry

Fluorescence microscopy

Patch-clamp electrophysiology

RNA sequencing

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity in the Division of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Population Health, for an enthusiastic and ambitious Postdoctoral Research Associate to use their research expertise in human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) and neuronal models to make an impact on our understanding of Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) and the development of potential therapeutic approaches.

You will join the laboratories of Dr Matt Livesey, Prof Dame Pam Shaw and Profs Hautbergue, Mead and Mortiboys at the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), working alongside a multidisciplinary team of researchers, postdoctoral scientists and technical colleagues. SITraN is an internationally recognised centre of excellence for research into neurodegenerative diseases and therapeutic development.

You will work in a well-connected research environment with expertise spanning neurodegenerative disease, iPSC models, neuronal biology, electrophysiology, molecular biology and therapeutic development. You will play a key role in a collaborative programme investigating the cellular mechanisms underlying FA and the effects of novel therapeutic compounds.

You will take responsibility for planning and delivering experimental studies using human iPSC-derived neuronal models, analysing and interpreting data, and contributing to the development and optimisation of research methodologies. You will have the opportunity to apply a range of complementary approaches, including iPSC culture and differentiation, immunocytochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology, molecular biology and RNA sequencing.

This varied and dynamic role will provide you with the opportunity to develop your research profile while making an important contribution to a translational neuroscience programme. You will contribute to experimental design, troubleshooting, data analysis and interpretation, scientific presentations, publications and future funding applications. You will also provide guidance and practical support to students and less experienced researchers.

Educated to PhD level in Neuroscience, Biological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences or a related subject, you will have demonstrable experience of laboratory-based research and the ability to plan and deliver research independently within a collaborative environment. Experience of human iPSC models, neuronal differentiation and/or relevant experimental techniques described above would be a significant advantage.