Research Associate - Synaptic dysfunction in neurodegeneration

University of Sheffield; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK research institution is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to lead studies on synaptic function using iPSC models. Candidates should have a PhD/DPhil or be near completion, with skills in iPSC disease modelling and electrophysiological techniques. The role is fixed-term for 3 years and includes working within a collaborative research team focused on ALS/FTD mechanisms.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in iPSC-derived neuronal cultures.
• Experience in characterisation of neuronal function.
• History of science communication activities.

Responsibilities

• Lead maintenance of curated iPSCs and generation of neuronal cultures.
• Contribute to investigations of underlying mechanisms.
• Design, execute, and interpret experiments under the PIs' direction.

Skills

Human iPSC-based disease modelling

Electrophysiology

Molecular cloning

Biochemistry

Fluorescence microscopy

Education

PhD/DPhil or equivalent

Tools

Lentiviral vectors

AAV viral vectors

Job description

Overview

You will work within a team of two postdoctoral research assistants and two senior research technicians under a 5-year MRC-funded collaborative research programme. The programme will involve electrophysiological and microscopy-based interrogation of synaptic function in vitro in human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models of ALS/FTD and primary neuron cultures. Further, this work will investigate underlying mechanisms using high-resolution genetic and biochemical perturbations combined with state-of-the-art proteomics and determine the role of synaptic dysfunction as a driver of disease using Drosophila models.

Responsibilities

• Lead the maintenance of curated iPSCs and the generation of iPSC-derived neuronal cultures in which synaptic function will be examined using state-of-the-art electrophysiological and microscopy-based assays.
• Contribute to all other aspects of the project, including investigations of underlying mechanisms.
• Under the direction of the PIs, design, execute and interpret experiments, compile reports and publications, and present at lab group and scientific meetings.
• Coordinate and direct the work of the technicians supporting the project.

Qualifications

• Practically skilled, well-organised and dedicated individual with a proven track record in human iPSC-based disease modelling, ideally with experience in iPSC-derived neuronal cultures.
• Previous experience in the characterisation of neuronal function (e.g., electrophysiology), primary neuron cultures, and lentiviral and AAV viral vectors would be highly advantageous.
• Proficiency in molecular cloning, PCR, biochemistry (western, IP) and fluorescence microscopy would also be valuable to the role.
• History of science communication (e.g. presentations, outreach activities, teaching/supervision).

Contract and Start

This post is fixed term for 3 years with a possible 1-year extension and is available now. While the role is at Postdoctoral Research level and requires candidates to hold a PhD/DPhil (or equivalent), we may consider candidates who are close to completion of their PhD/DPhil qualification, in which case the initial appointment will be made at grade 6 (to be increased to grade 7 on completion of the PhD/DPhil qualification).

Application and Diversity

Candidates are strongly encouraged to contact Prof Kurt De Vos ([e-mail]) and Dr Matthew Livesey ([e-mail]) to discuss the project prior to application.

We build teams of people from different heritages and lifestyles from across the world, whose talent and contributions complement each other to greatest effect. We believe diversity in all its forms delivers greater impact through research, teaching and student experience.