Research Associates (x3)
The Baljit Khakh Laboratory is relocating from the University of California Los Angeles to the UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) at Cardiff and is seeking to appoint a number of Research Associates to join a newly established and ambitious research programme investigating the roles of astrocytes in brain function and dementia.
Professor Baljit S. Khakh, internationally recognised for discoveries in astrocyte physiology and neuron–glia signalling, will launch his new research programme at UK DRI Cardiff University in summer 2026. The lab will integrate molecular genetics, advanced imaging, electrophysiology, and translational neuroscience to explore fundamental neuroscience mechanisms and uncover how astrocyte dysfunction contributes to the onset and progression of dementia.
This is a new opportunity to join a leading neuroscience lab at one of the UK’s most vibrant and collaborative research hubs. The group will explore how astrocytes shape neural circuit activity, cognition, and neurodegeneration—with the goal of identifying new mechanisms and therapeutic strategies for dementia and related disorders. The laboratory will be housed in state‑of‑the‑art research facilities within the Hadyn Ellis Building.
Qualifications and Personal Attributes
* Committed to rigorous, collaborative, and innovative research.
* Highly driven and motivated.
* Adaptable, communicative and organised.
* An effective team player who can demonstrate a proven track record of working on your own initiative.
* Interested in travelling to pursue collaborations which may include spending some time in the laboratory of a national or international collaborator.
Employment Details
* Location: Hadyn Ellis Building, Cathays campus.
* Benefits: 45 days annual leave (incl. bank holidays), local pension scheme, cycle‑to‑work scheme, annual pay increments within the pay scale and more. Cardiff University is a proud Living Wage supporter.
* Contract: Full‑time (35 hours per week), available from 1 August 2026 and fixed term until 31 July 2031.
* Salary: £41,064 – £46,049 per annum (Grade 6).
Support and Development
* Regular one‑to‑ones with your manager.
* An experienced and supportive team around you.
* Supporting you through job‑relevant training and development that you may require.
* A mentoring scheme.
Closing Date
Tuesday, 30 June 2026
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
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. We especially welcome and encourage applications from those from under‑represented groups within the University workforce, such as those who identify as LGBT+ and those with disabilities.
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.
Responsible Research Assessment (DORA)
Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA). In hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published.
Additional Information
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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