Research Associate

Advert

Research Associate in Molecular Neuroscience
School of Vision Sciences

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join Professor Marcela Votruba’s Mitochondria and Vision Research laboratory as a part of a multidisciplinary project supported by The British Medical Association Dawkins and Strutt (2023) grant entitled: “Mitochondrial transplantation for retinal ganglion cell rescue and health in mitochondrial optic neuropathies“, at the School of Vision Sciences, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University. The successful applicant will work as part of multi-disciplinary group with an international reputation for studies into mitochondrial optic neuropathies and novel therapeutic interventions, ranging from preclinical and experimental to clinical trials supervised by clinician scientist Professor Votruba. Candidates with strong research experience and publication track records in cell and molecular biology are highly recommended to apply for this position.

Mitochondrial optic neuropathies (MON) affect at least 1 in 10,000 worldwide. They are characterised by the dysfunction of mitochondria due to defects in either nuclear or mitochondrial DNA. In MON, mitochondrial dysfunction drives visual dysfunction due to loss of RGCs, resulting in progressive and irreversible loss of vision, often starting in childhood and early adulthood. RGC degeneration is extremely hard to repair or regenerate.  This leads to significant disability as loss of vision in childhood or early adult life leads to problems with mobility, employment, and independence.

This project is for a pilot study to test if mitochondrial transplantation by stem cell horizontal transfer leads to a meaningful and durable increase in mitochondrial activity in a mouse model of MON.

Please read the following job description and person specification carefully. To ensure that you demonstrate how you meet all the essential criteria in your Supporting Statement, you can use the criteria as headings to guide your application. Similarly, show how you meet as many of the desirable criteria as you can. 

The position is full-time (35 hours per week), and is fully funded for 46 weeks fixed term.

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.

For informal enquires please contact Professor Marcela Votruba: [email protected]

Secondment opportunity welcome - please note for Cardiff University members of staff interested in this post on a secondment basis, permission will need to be sought from your current Line Manager before applying.

Date Advertised: 11 March 2024

Closing date: 25 March 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 Mitochondria & Vision Group on inherited optic neuropathy for the project “Mitochondrial transplantation for retinal ganglion cell rescue and health in mitochondrial optic neuropathies”, as funded by The British Medical Association Dawkins and Strutt (2023) grant and to 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 cell and mitochondrial biology 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

General Duties:

•  Ensure that an understanding of the importance of confidentiality is applied when undertaking all duties.
• Abide by University policies on Health and Safety and Equality and Diversity.

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

IMPORTANT NOTE: When submitting your supporting statement, you must provide evidence as to how you meet each of the essential (and desirable if applicable) criteria below. We suggest that you do so by using each of the criteria as sub-headings, providing written evidence of your relevant skills underneath. Before uploading this attachment, please ensure that you include ****BR within the filename.

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Education

Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in a related subject area or relevant industrial experience

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within the following research fields:

(i). cell and mitochondrial biology

(ii). mitochondrial structural and functional assays

(ii). murine models

(iii). histology and immunohistochemistry and cellular and tissue imaging

Knowledge of current status of research in specialist field of mitochondrial biology

Proven ability to publish in national/international journals and / or present at national/international conferences and/or other research outputs

Communication and Team Working

Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication

Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals

Other

Proven ability to work without close supervision

Desirable Criteria

Hold a Home Office Personal Animal Licence and have evidenced competencies for working with mice, including but not limited to intra-vitreal injection, breeding and husbandry

Proven experience working with Human iPSC-MSCs

Job Category

Academic - Research