Salary
£35,608 per annum
Benefits
Newcastle University offers generous holiday packages, competitive pension schemes and a range of health and wellbeing initiatives to support employees.
Closing Date
28 October 2025
The Role
We are seeking a post‑doctoral Research Associate based at the Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, UK. Co‑Principal Investigators are Dr Christopher Morris, Dr Jon Sellars and Dr Paul Donaghy. The project focuses on the neurobiological basis of Lewy body disorders such as dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson’s, with the overarching goal of identifying novel biomarkers, treatments and therapeutic interventions. The programme integrates fundamental laboratory science with clinical research as part of the Mental Health, Dementia and Neurodegeneration Research Theme.
The post will develop and apply analytical chemistry and protein chemistry techniques to interrogate patient samples, exploring molecular and chemical alterations underlying pathology in Lewy body disorders. Design and optimisation of fluorescent probes, high‑throughput biochemical assays and chromatographic and mass spectrometry‑based platforms for quantitative biomarker profiling will be used. The aim is to use these biomarkers to objectively determine severity of the underlying disease and relationships to clinical treatment and response.
This fixed‑term position is for 9 months in the first instance with a view to extension for two years.
Key Accountabilities
* Although working under the general guidance of an academic or Principal Investigator, contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of studies, providing substantial added value.
* Develop and carry out the specified project using appropriate techniques and equipment as outlined in the personal requirements.
* Determine appropriate methodologies for research, with advice and support where required.
* Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and, in time, develop own research objectives and proposals for funding.
* Begin to write, with appropriate support, proposals for individual research funding or, where funders do not permit, contribute to the writing of collective bids.
* Assess research findings for the need or scope for further investigations.
* Contribute to the writing up of research for publication and dissemination, either through seminar and conference presentations or through publications.
* Present research findings, either at conferences or through publications in reputable outlets appropriate to the discipline.
* May be involved in the supervision, with guidance, of final year undergraduate research projects and in providing support to postgraduate research students or Research Assistants.
* Will need to work with the support staff and, on occasions, with undergraduate and postgraduate students, and interact intellectually with other academic members of the Institute.
* May contribute to events celebrating the public engagement of science, social sciences, humanities, or to the delivery of interdisciplinary research.
* Develop an awareness of University structures, policies and procedures and relevant issues in the higher education, research, social and political environment.
* Contribute intellectual input to methodological innovation, particularly in protein chemistry, fluorescent chemistry, and analytical techniques for patient‑derived biofluids and post‑mortem tissue.
* Contribute to grant applications, particularly those integrating chemical biology with neuroscience.
* Analyse research findings to identify novel chemical markers of disease progression and assess their translational potential.
The Person
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
* Ability to work well as part of a team and rapidly acquire new skills.
* Detailed subject knowledge in the area of research.
* Likelihood of advanced skills directly related to the research projects.
* High level of analytical and problem‑solving capability.
* Ability to communicate complex information with clarity and to encourage the commitment of others.
* Experience of research with clear transferable skills and some experience or awareness of the research environment.
* Presentations at conferences and/or high‑quality publications.
* Detailed understanding of neurodegenerative disorders and protein aggregation in vitro and in vivo.
* PhD in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical biology, neuroscience, or a related field.
* Demonstrated experience in biochemical assay methods with patient samples, protein chemistry, and fluorescent chemistry.
* Experience with analytical chemistry methods such as chromatography, mass spectrometry, or metabolite profiling desirable.
* Proven ability to develop or adapt assay methodology, including fluorescence‑based tools or protein modification detection.
Desirable
* Rational design and small‑scale synthesis of small (fluorescent) molecules.
Attributes and Behaviour
* Collegial and professional, able to work independently and collaboratively across disciplines.
* Strong communication skills, able to present complex chemical and biological data clearly.
* Motivated to apply chemical and biochemical methods to translational neuroscience.
Qualifications
* PhD in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related discipline, with demonstrable experience of applying biochemical/chemical methods to human tissue or clinical samples.
* Evidence of research productivity through publications in relevant chemical or biochemical fields.
Equality and Diversity
Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity and celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams.
At Newcastle University we hold a gold Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.
In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.
Contact
• Dr Chris Morris – c.m.morris@newcastle.ac.uk
• Dr Jon Sellars – Jon.Sellars@newcastle.ac.uk
• Dr Paul Donaghy – paul.donaghy@newcastle.ac.uk
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