Research Associate (Fixed Term)

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research associate to join the team of Dr Gabriel Balmus, in the UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) Centre at the University of Cambridge for a new project to explore the role of DNA Damage in in neurodegenerative diseases, with a focus on Huntington's Disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) funded by UKDRI.

ALS is a progressive nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle control. Huntington is the most common monogenic neurodegenerative disease, affecting mainly the striatum and causing cognitive and motor disorders. To this day, the specific causes of these diseases are not well understood, and most studies point to a multifactorial aetiology.

Current treatments are for symptoms and cannot reverse or stop disease progression. Therefore, there is an unmet need for research aimed at discovering disease modifiers prospective to become used in therapy. The current proposal is aimed as understanding the roles of endogenously created DNA-damage in mouse ESCs and human iPSCs and associated human brain organoids that model neurodegenerative diseases via CRISPR/Cas9 screens as well as drug screens.

The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) is the biggest UK initiative driving forward research to fill this gap. We are a globally leading multidisciplinary research institute of 700 staff investigating the spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders causing dementia, with laboratory-based research groups located at University College London, the University of Cambridge, Cardiff University, Edinburgh University, Imperial College London and King's College London. 

**Cambridge**

Developing new treatments that can prevent the onset of dementia or protect neurons from damage is hindered by our lack of knowledge in the fundamental causes and mechanisms behind neurodegeneration. Scientists at the UK DRI at Cambridge use cutting-edge approaches to build our understanding of the biological processes behind the earliest stages of neurodegeneration and ageing. They explore mechanisms causing the loss of vital connections between neurons and the pathways that drive repair of these connections, which are essential for memory formation and survival of brain cells and identify key molecular targets for translation into effective treatments to stop, slow or reverse dementia.

Education to PhD level in a relevant subject is required. Knowledge of techniques in cell and molecular biology is essential although training in all relevant techniques will be provided. Knowledge of the DNA Damage Response field is essential.

To learn more about Balmus Lab please visit: www.balmuslab.org

For further enquiries please contact: [email protected]

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years, with the possibility of extending for 2 more years.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please visit: http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/34114 .

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

Closing date: 26th June 2022 

Interview date: to be confirmed