Research Associate (MND Association)

We are looking for a post-doctoral research associate to join the Dr Owen Peters Lab in the School of Biosciences and UK Dementia Research Institute at Cardiff University, working in close collaboration with Dr Mariah Lelos, Prof Emma Kidd and Dr Gaynor Smith. In this role, you will:

• Lead a Motor Neurone Disease Association-funded research project to assess the contribution of cGAS-STING immune signalling in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS);
• Use state of the art in vitro and in vivo model systems to explore roles for mitochondria dysfunction and cGAS-STING signalling in ageing microglia in ALS. In collaboration with the King's College London Neurodegenerative Diseases Brain Bank, you will translate data from model systems to human post-mortem tissues;
• You will have opportunities to develop your research skills, collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of researchers working in translational neuroscience, develop skills in data analysis, manuscript preparation and presentation at research meetings.
We'd like to hear from you if you:
• Are an enthusiastic and ambitious PDRA candidate with a drive to work in ALS and neurodegeneration-focused research;
• Are excited to lead a collaborative project, and contribute to the wider objectives of a translational research team;
• Have research experience working in iPSC in vitro models (microglia, neurons), confocal microscopy and/or post-mortem human tissue and molecular biology, with a research interest in ALS, neurodegenerative disease and/or roles of innate immune signalling in mammalian systems.
We can offer you the chance to work in a vibrant organisation, with great benefits and opportunities for progression. We are a proud Living Wage supporter. As part of this role, we can explore the possibility of the successful candidate accessing further training and development through an on-the-job apprenticeship. The appropriate level and type of apprenticeship training will be discussed with the successful applicant. This role is eligible to be offered on a blended working basis, meaning that as well as spending time working on campus you may spend some time working from another location, e.g. your home. The University is committed to offering this flexibility, wherever the role and business need allows, supporting work-life balance.

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

Salary: £40,247 - £45,163 per annum (Grade 6). Appointments to roles at Cardiff University are usually made at bottom of scale unless in exceptional circumstances.