Internal Only - Research Associate

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This post is currently open to employees of Cardiff University only.  Please do not apply if you do not have a current contract of employment with the University.

Internal Only - Research Associate
UK Dementia Research Institute
Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences
Cardiff University School of Medicine
College of Biomedical and Life Sciences

Dementia is the greatest health challenge of our century.

To date there is no way to prevent it or even slow its progression, and there is an urgent need to fill the knowledge gap in our basic understanding of the diseases that cause it.

The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) is the biggest UK initiative driving forward research to fill this gap.

The UK DRI at Cardiff is one of 7 UK centres bringing together world-leading scientists to deliver a step-change in the scientific understanding of dementia, generating new targets for drug development, reinvigorating the therapeutic pipeline and helping to transform care. Our strategy is to build upon research strengths in dementia genetics, immunology, computational analytics, cellular and whole system modelling and neuroimaging to identify disease mechanisms and therapies for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntingdon’s disease and other dementias.

Rapid advances in DNA technologies and computational biology are enabling scientists to identify more and more of the subtle DNA variations that can influence a person’s risk of developing different neurodegenerative diseases. Researchers at the UK DRI at Cardiff interrogate the host of genetic variations linked with neurodegenerative diseases to make new discoveries about disease processes. They use experimental model systems along with a variety of cutting-edge experimental methods and equipment to dissect the biology of many of these genes. Building on the team’s international reputation for complex data analyses, they develop and apply advanced computational approaches that enable them to make sense of huge datasets generated by complex experiments.

As part of our continued growth, a new and exciting opportunity has arisen for Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the UK DRI at Cardiff. We are seeking a highly motivated individual with aspirations of a career in academia to join the lab of Dr Dayne Beccano-Kelly. 

The Beccano-Kelly lab aims to assess the earliest changes in Parkinson’s disease (PD), focusing on synaptic activity, in the context of the temporality of PD. Using cutting edge techniques, tools and models (including photometry, behavioural assessment, knock-in animal models and molecular techniques) and innovative design, the lab aims to generate a pathophysiological timeline identifying the most important phenotypes and how they can be modulated to prevent late-stage degeneration. 

The successful candidate will have a PhD in a relevant area and/or equivalent industrial experience and will conduct research within the specialist areas of cognitive and motor behavioural assessment in mouse models, surgery and molecular assays.

We aim to recruit forward and outward-facing, motivated, passionate individuals who will stimulate new thinking with progressive and inclusive approaches.  We are committed to employing people who will bring difference in background, approach, identity and experiences.

This post is a full time (35 hours per week), available immediately and is fixed term until 31 May 2024. 

Salary: £33,797 - £40,322 per annum (Grade 6), but please note that we anticipate the maximum starting salary for this post to be £38,017 per annum.
Closing Date: Wednesday, 25 August 2021

External applications are currently not being considered for this post.  If the decision is made to open the post to external candidates, the strapline at the top will be removed and you will be given ample time to apply – please check back periodically for details.

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: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/research/our-research-environment/integrity-and-ethics/responsible-research-assessment”

Job Description

The Beccano-Kelly Lab is seeking highly motivated individuals with aspirations of a career in academia. The laboratory’s aim is to assess the earliest changes in Parkinson’s disease (PD), focussing on synaptic activity, in the context of the temporality of PD. Using cutting edge techniques, tools and models (including photometry, behavioural assessment, knock-in animal models and molecular techniques) and innovative design, we aim to generate a pathophysiological timeline identifying the most important phenotypes and how they can be modulated to prevent late-stage degeneration.  Candidates will be required to conduct experiments and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of work in high-quality journals. We are committed to pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same. 

Main Duties and Responsibilities 

Research 
•    To conduct research into Parkinson’s Disease using a variety of cognitive and motor behavioural techniques, in conjunction with photometry experiments and accompanying molecular and biochemical experiments such as western blot and qPCR. The research will be clearly defined and will have synergy with other projects within the group.  Furthermore, joint projects for larger outputs will be regular and expected.
•    To develop research objectives and proposals for own and joint research including research funding proposals and collaborative projects.
•    To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at a local, national and international level as required.
•    To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project 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.
•    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 laboratory and School and its work to the wider University and the outside world including but not limited to educating and promoting an increase of BAME in STEM.
•    Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria 

Qualifications and Education
1.    Postgraduate degree at PhD level in a related subject area or relevant industrial experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience
2.    An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within the following research fields:
i.    Cognitive and motor behaviour in animal model
ii.    Surgery with particular emphasis on iPSC grafts
iii.    Molecular assays including immunocytochemistry and western blot

3.    Knowledge of current status of research in Parkinson’s disease.

4.    Proven ability to publish in high-quality journals and/or present at high-impact conferences.

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

Communication and Team Working
6.    Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication.

7.    Ability to coordinate with the work of others to focus team efforts.

8.    Be highly organized and ambitious with excellent communication skills in English. Interpersonal skills are essential, with an emphasis on the candidate’s ability to perform as a team player and contributing to a friendly work environment.

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

10.    Proven ability to work without close supervision.

Desirable Criteria 

1.    Experience in developmental assessment. 

2.    Design of innovative experimental paradigms for cognitive behavioural testing. 

3.    Proven track record of outreach to various communities.

4.    Evidence of collaborations with industry.

5.    Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities, visibility and impact of the laboratory and school on said networks. 

Additional Information

Applications from women and ethnic minority candidates will be particularly welcomed.

IMPORTANT: Evidencing Criteria
It is School of Medicine's policy to use the person specification as a key tool for short-listing. Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria as well as, where relevant, the desirable. 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 your application profile you name it with the vacancy reference number, in this instance for this post, 11750BR

If candidates do not provide written evidence of meeting all of the essential criteria then their application will not be progressed. The School of Medicine welcome the submission of CVs to accompany evidence of the job-based criteria.

Job Category

Academic - Research, Health, Medical & Dental