Applications are invited for a Research Assistant (Neuronal cell biologist) to work on a project to target calcium channels in Parkinson’s disease. The project, funded by the Michael J Fox Foundation and in collaboration with Lario Therapeutics, represents an exciting opportunity to undertake translation work at the interface between academic research and pharmaceutical target and drug discovery in an exceptional setting. This work will develop new inhibitors of calcium channels as a neuroprotective strategy to protect vulnerable dopamine neurons in Parkinson’s using induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived dopamine neurons generated from Parkinson’s patients. The post is available from July 2026 and runs until December 2027.
Responsibilities
* Apply cellular and molecular imaging techniques to probe calcium channel biology in iPSC‑derived neurons.
* Study the phenotypic impact of pharmacological inhibitors of calcium channels on the cell biology phenotype.
* Undertake maintenance culture and neuronal differentiation of iPSC lines and differentiation into dopamine neurons.
* Contribute to wider project planning, including ideas for new research projects.
* Determine the most appropriate methodologies to test hypotheses, and identify suitable alternatives if technical problems arise.
* Gather, analyse, and present scientific data from a variety of sources.
* Contribute to scientific reports and journal articles and the presentation of data/papers at conferences.
* Manage own research and administrative activities, within guidelines provided by senior colleagues.
* Collaborate effectively with other team members to achieve collective goals.
Qualifications
* Hold or be near to completion of a BSc or MSc degree in neuroscience or cell/molecular biology, or equivalent.
* Experience in neuronal cell culture, preferably in human pluripotent stem cells.
* Experience in setting up cellular assays, including image‑based experiments.
* Knowledge of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s.
* Must have excellent IT skills including word‑processing and spreadsheet or scientific graphic packages.
* The candidate will be highly motivated, with the capacity to think creatively and work across teams.
About the Department
The Department of Physiology Anatomy & Genetics (DPAG) undertakes discovery science where we reassemble physiological processes at the molecular, cellular, tissue and systems level of organisation. In so doing we provide a bridge to translational medicine, and interface between physical and life sciences. We are committed not only to innovative research and the highest standard of teaching, but also to creating an inclusive and supportive working environment.
Benefits
We offer a range of family‑friendly and financial benefits including:
* An excellent contributory pension scheme.
* 38 days annual leave.
* A comprehensive range of childcare services.
* Family leave schemes.
* Cycle and electric car loan schemes.
* Employee Assistance Programme.
* Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs.
* Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans.
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