Senior Research Associate (Fixed Term)

Institute of Metabolic Science - Metabolic Research Laboratories (IMS-MRL) Disease Model Core Technologist: Neuroscience specialist (Senior Research Associate)

Applications are invited for a Senior Research Associate (Core Service Technologist with a specialist in Neuroscience) to join the Institute of Metabolic Science  Metabolic Research Laboratories with the Clinical School of Biochemistry at the University of Cambridge (https://www.mrl.ims.cam.ac.uk/).

The successful applicant will join the Disease Model Core (DMC) Facility as part of the Wellcome Discovery Platform. The role is a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of cutting-edge research strategies that integrate advanced in vivo neuroscience tools with behavioural, metabolic, and neuroendocrine assessments. You will work closely with the Blouet group and other investigators to innovate and implement protocols addressing metabolic and nutrient sensing circuits under physiological conditions. As part of a core service, you will be encouraged to develop business strategy.

This seven-year, fully funded position offers a stable and collaborative environment to explore novel paradigms and drive innovation without the pressures of independent grant funding. The post-holder will also contribute to advancing the University's reputation as a leading national and international centre for murine metabolic phenotyping.

Applicants must have a PhD in Neuroscience, Psychology or related field, along with significant experience in Neuroscience and an excellent academic record and peer-reviewed publications that have had an impact in the field. Relevant disciplines include optogenetics in vivo, fibre photometry, manipulation of defined neural cell types in mice, stereotaxic surgery in mice, behavioural phenotyping and operant conditioning. The applicant should hold a Home Office PIL modules ABC, or equivalent qualification working with animals in scientific research internationally.

The funding supporting this position is available with immediate effect until 31st March 2031 and is aimed at Research Associates who want to further their practical skills and support the investigation of novel paradigms without the pressure of grant funding applications. Opportunity for Core Facility strategic leadership is also encouraged as well as development of external collaborations with other educational and research institutes to promote DMC services.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check, a health assessment and a security check.

Research Associate (SRA) level; appointment as an SRA will require evidence of an independent research reputation. Due to the levels of skills and experience required we anticipate making an appointment either on the RA scale or towards the bottom of the SRA scale.

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter, CV and research proposal of no more than 3 pages in length in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

Approval to Senior Research Associate is subject to Faculty Board approval.

Closing date: 13th January 2025

Date of interview: Last week of January

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

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