Research Associate

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. One of 7 UK centres it brings together world-leading scientists to deliver a step-change in the scientific understanding of dementia, reinvigorating the therapeutic pipeline and helping to transform care. 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 a variety of cutting-edge experimental methods and equipment to dissect the biology of many of these genes.

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, focusing on synaptic activity, in the context of the temporal nature of the disease. Using cutting edge techniques, tools and models (including PatchSeq, Optogenetics, iPSC and knock-in models) and innovative design, the lab aims to generate a pathophysiological timeline identifying the most important phenotypes and howe they can be modulated to prevent late-stage degeneration.

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.

The successful candidate will have, or nearing completion of a PhD in a relevant area, or relevant experience and will conduct research within the specialist areas of electrophysiology, tissue culture and molecular assays.  

This post is full time (35 hours per week) available from 1st February 2021 and is fixed term until 31st January 2025.

Salary: £33,797 - £40,322 per annum (Grade 6).

Closing date: Sunday, 12 September 2021

This post has previously been advertised to employees of Cardiff University only. We now invite external applications.

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.