Research Fellow in Motor Neurone Disease

Hours: Full time considered up to a maximum of 1 FTE

Requests for flexible working options will be considered (subject to business need).

Contract: Fixed term for 18 months  

Closing Date: 19 February 2024   Applications must be received by midnight of the closing date.

Expected Interview Date: 4th – 6th March 2024

Expected Start Date: As soon as possible

The School of Life Sciences at the University of Sussex is at the forefront of research in the UK. In the recent Research Excellence Framework assessment (REF 2021), 100% of our Impact cases in Biological Sciences and Chemistry were rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. The School has received substantial recent University investment and is embarking on an exciting and extensive, muti-million pound refurbishment and improvement project. 

We wish to appoint a Postdoctoral Researcher funded by LifeArc to identify non-coding RNAs (ncRNA, e.g. microRNA) in blood, which have potential as biomarkers in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS; motor neurone disease, MND). 

This exciting project will utilise the novel TaqMan RT-qPCR Low Density Arrays and digital PCR technology to detect previously identified small ncRNAs in a cohort of blood plasma from ALS patients and controls and validate their potential as ALS biomarkers. 

The validated ncRNA biomarkers will be used to develop a biomarker signature model, incorporating ncRNA expression along with clinical characteristics, for classification of the samples to ALS and non-ALS using machine learning and statistical modelling.  

These ncRNA biomarkers may permit earlier diagnosis e.g. in those without classical examination findings at presentation, and assist in drug development through novel pathway discovery.

We seek a postdoctoral scientist with a strong background in RNA and molecular biology techniques who is capable of working as part of a small team as well as the ability to organise and direct their work within a larger collaboration.

The successful candidate will join research group of Professor Majid Hafezparast (http://www.sussex.ac.uk/lifesci/hafezparastlab/ ) at the Department of Neuroscience , University of Sussex, in collaboration with Dr Andre Altmann and Professor Andrea Malaspina, University College London. 

An overview of research within Sussex Neuroscience could be found at http://www.sussex.ac.uk/sussexneuroscience/schools/centres .  

Please contact Professor Majid Hafezparast, [email protected] , Tel. +44 1273672814 for informal enquiries. 

The University is committed to equality and valuing diversity, and applications are particularly welcomed from women and black and minority ethnic candidates, who are under-represented in academic posts in Science, Technology, Engineering, Medicine and Mathematics (STEMM) at Sussex. 

“Please note that this position may be subject to ATAS clearance if you require visa sponsorship.” 

For full details and how to apply click 'Apply above.

The University of Sussex values the diversity of its staff and students and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.