Research Associate in Biochemical Neuroscience and Dementia

Job summary

The Ye lab invite applications from talented, highly motivated, and ambitious scientists up to two Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) positions leading one or more projects investigating the relationship between build up and clearance of pathological protein aggregates associated with Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease, and how aggregate removal may be enhanced as a therapeutic strategy for disease intervention. We have up to two vacancies leading the research in pathological protein aggregates containing alpha-synuclein or tau and how they may be degraded in model neurons. Therefore, experience in molecular neuroscience, protein aggregation or IPSC work is vital for these projects. The projects will study proteostasis systems in post-mortem donor samples and quantify the effect of aggregate load on IPSC-differentiated neurons. You will use a multidisciplinary approach (maintenance and manipulation of IPSC-neurons and established cell lines, super-resolution fluorescence imaging and various biochemical techniques) to investigate proteostasis mechanisms and the effect of therapeutic intervention strategies on pathological aggregates. After successful interviews, the panel will recommend appointment to projects funded by Alzheimer’s Research UK or Eisai depending on suitability. The Parkinson’s disease project will be driven in close collaboration with our industry partner at Eisai.

Interested candidates should contact Dr Yu Ye – yu.ye1@imperial.ac.uk for a discussion about the project and role.

Please attach your CV for to facilitate the discussion.

This role is part of the Department of Brain Sciences at Imperial College London, located in Sir Michael Uren Hub, White City Campus.

Postdocs in the Ye lab at Imperial enjoy excellent career development opportunities with:

• Access to a range of cutting-edge technologies for 2D and 3D super-resolution imaging capabilities
• Dedicated iPSC culture facilities in the new state-of-the-art Sir Michael Uren Hub.
• A collegial, team-oriented working environment. Follow us on Instagram!
• National links with colleagues in the UK DRI at Imperial and Eisai.
• Support from the Postdoc and Fellows Development Centre (PFDC) and Imperial and UK DRI ECR Communities
• The opportunity to mentor, supervise and teach under- and postgraduate students

Duties and responsibilities

As a Research Associate in the Ye lab, you will:

• Build on your existing skills & experience to address major components of this project independently.
• Present research findings as written reports, at conferences, within the College and as published manuscripts.
• Take initiative in the planning of research, with clear & timely communications to the Group Leader & relevant researchers.
• Contribute to the smooth running of the lab and facilities, acting collegiately with other scientists, clinicians, technicians & students.
• Provide guidance to staff and assist in the supervision of undergraduate & postgraduate research students, as required.
• Maintain highly organised and accurate records of experimental work.
• Undertake appropriate scientific and professional training

Essential requirements

You are a motivated and organised researcher, excited by the science we do.

With (or near completion of) a PhD in Cellular/Molecular Neuroscience with experience in protein aggregation, IPSC cultures or in Neuropathology of Dementia (or related discipline), you will be strongly objective-driven, able to lead the project independently and put new knowledge into practice effectively.

Experimental expertise working with IPSC-differentiated neuronal culture, basic biochemistry & molecular biology is essential. Experience with advanced microscopy is a bonus.

Practical experience of quantitative image analysis, mass spectrometry or coding research projects is highly desirable in the lab.

This position is offered fixed term on a full or part time basis for up to two-years.

Advert information