Research Associate

Advert

Research Associate 
UK Dementia Research Institute
Division of Infection and Immunity
Cardiff University School of Medicine
College of Biomedical and Life Sciences

The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) is the biggest UK initiative supporting dementia research. 

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 Huntington’s diseases and other dementias.
As part of our continued growth, a new and exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research Associate, to join the UK DRI team based at the Hadyn Ellis Building, Cathays, Cardiff. The selected candidate will join the team of Professor Phil Taylor, who is investigating the role of microglia in the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease in order to identify new targets for therapy. This project will examine the regulation of microglial activation in vivo and explore the potential for its control as a therapeutic approach and will achieve these techniques such as in vivo gene regulation and single cell sequencing.

The successful candidate will have a PhD or equivalent in a relevant area and will conduct research within the specialist areas of neuroinflammation/ neuroscience/immunology, or relevant industrial experience.

Informal enquires should be made to Professor Phil Taylor via email: [email protected]

This post is full time (35 hours per week), available immediately and fixed term for a period of 30 months.

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.

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.

Date advert posted: Tuesday, 2 April 2024

Closing Date: Tuesday, 30 April 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

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

Job Description

Main function 

To conduct research within the field of neuroimmunology of Alzheimer’s disease and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same. 

Main Duties and Responsibilities
Research 
•    To conduct research within the field of neuroimmunology of Alzheimer’s disease 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 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 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
1.    Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) 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.    Biomedical research
3.   Knowledge of current status of research in specialist field (Alzheimer’s disease/neurodegeneration, microglia)
4.   Proven ability to publish in national journals and/or other research outputs
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 supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals

Other
8.    Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work
9.    Proven ability to work without close supervision

Desirable Criteria
10.    Experience in research in one or more of the following areas:

• Neuroscience
• Immunology
• NGS/single cell sequence analysis

11.    Experience with the use of in vivo models of disease.

12.    Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community. 

13.    Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the School. 

Additional Information

IMPORTANT: Evidencing Criteria

It is the 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, 18297BR

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, Medical & Dental