Organisation/Company UK Dementia Research Institute Research Field Neurosciences Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country United Kingdom Application Deadline 10 Jul 2025 - 23:59 (Europe/London) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 4 Aug 2025 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number 19987BR Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
Dementia is the biggest 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.
UK Dementia Research Institute at Cardiff University is one of six new Dementia Research Institute UK centres.
We are looking for a post-doctoral research associate to join the Dr Gaynor Smith Lab in the School of Medicine and UK Dementia Research Institute at Cardiff University.
In this role, you will:
• To conduct research on an Alzheimer’s Research UK (ARUK)-funded research project to assess the contribution of Late Onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD) risk genes in both Drosophila and human iPSC-derived neurons.
• Use state of the art in vitro and in vivo model systems to explore role LOAD risk genes in mitochondria dysfunction, metabolism and pathology in ageing neurons.
• 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 neuroscience, dementia and neurodegeneration-focused research;
• are excited to join a collaborative project, and contribute to the wider objectives of a translational research team;
• have research experience working in Drosophila genetics and/or iPSC neuron culture, confocal microscopy and/or post-mortem human tissue and molecular biology/biochemistry, with a research interest in Alzheimer’s disease, neurodegenerative disease and/or cellular metabolism.
Job Purpose
To conduct research within the neuroscience and Alzheimer’s disease fields and 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.
Duties and Responsibilities
Key Duties
Research
• To conduct research within the neuroscience and Alzheimer’s disease fields 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
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.
Essential Criteria
Qualifications and Education
1. Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in a related subject area or relevant industrial experience
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
2. An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within the following research fields:
i. Drosophila Genetics
ii. Microscopy and/or biochemistry
iii. Alzheimer’s disease and/or other neurodegenerative diseases
3. Knowledge of current status of research in specialist field
4. Proven ability to publish in international journals and international conferences and/or other research outputs
5. Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies
Communication and Team Working
6. Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication
7. Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals
Other
8. Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work
9. Proven ability to work without close supervision
Desirable Criteria
10. Relevant professional qualification(s)
11. Evidence of collaborations with industry.
12. Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community.
13. Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the School.
14. Wet lab experience in iPSC differentiation and assays and or other human/mammalian cell culture
Additional Information
Additional comments
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.
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