Research Fellow in Computational Biology

Applications are invited for a computational biologist position jointly held in the labs of Dr Eunchai Kang and Dr Mike Morgan at the University of Aberdeen. We seek to appoint a creative, experienced and motivated individual to unravel the impact of APOE mutations on neuro-immune crosstalk and Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis using single-cell ‘omics from human brain organoids. The collaboration involving cutting-edge neuroscience (Dr Eunchai Kang) and computational algorithm development (Dr Mike Morgan) is ideal for an independent and highly motivated individual. This is an Alzheimer’s Society-funded project that integrates single-cell ‘omic profiling of human brain cerebral brain organoids with genetic risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Growing evidence suggests that neuroinflammation plays a central role in the pathogenesis of AD. The primary innate immune cells of the brain, called microglia, are critical for neuroinflammation. Findings from large genome-wide association studies of AD have highlighted genes specifically expressed in microglia, suggesting a crucial role for these cells in AD pathology. Apoliprotein A (APOE) is the strongest genetic risk for sporadic AD: APOE ε4 is the strongest risk factor, ε2 is the most protective, and ε3 is considered neutral. While expression of APOE is enriched in microglial in neuropathological conditions, the signalling pathways that mediate neuroprotection or inflammation during AD pathogenesis are poorly understood.

The Kang lab has pioneered the development of co-cultured brain organoids with iPSC-derived microglia, using CRISPR/Cas9 to specifically modify APOE genetic variants, for the study of AD (Kang research). The Morgan lab develops cutting-edge bioinformatic algorithms for the analysis of single-cell data (Morgan research). Together, our goal is it identify using single-cell omic profiling, how the APOE alleles that increase and decrease risk of AD alter neuro-immune crosstalk in a brain organoid model of disease pathogenesis.

Salary will be at the appropriate point on the Grade 6, £37,099 - £41,732 per annum, pro rata and negotiable with placement according to qualifications and experience. Funding limited for three years.

Informal enquiries should be made to Dr Eunchai Kang, Lecturer (Eunchai.kang@abdn.ac.uk).

Prior to employment, the successful candidate must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK.  This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route under the UKVI immigration rules but is dependent on factors specific to the candidate and if tradeable points can be used under the rules.

Information on other visa options is available at https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa.

Please do not hesitate to contact Grant Rae, HR Adviser (e-mail: grant.rae@abdn.ac.uk) for further information.

To apply online for this position visit www.abdn.ac.uk/jobs

Job Reference Number:  IMS285R

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 12 July 2024

The School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition embraces a diverse working environment and recognises the many benefits this can bring.  Applications from individuals from across all of the equality protected characteristics are encouraged.

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