Postdoctoral Scientist in Single-Molecule Imaging and Neurodegenerative Research (Fixed Term)

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work with Prof. Steven F. Lee (Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge) in a collaborative project with Prof. Sonia Gandhi (The Francis Crick Institute). The position is generously funded by a philanthropic gift from Robert Martin and comes with a college association at Selwyn College, Cambridge. This project aims to develop a biochemical diagnostic tool for Parkinson's Disease (PD).

The aim of the project is to create a diagnostic test for Parkinson's Disease by detecting single protein aggregates, or "oligomers," in biofluids such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), saliva, and blood. These oligomers are small pathological assemblies of alpha-synuclein implicated in the progression of PD. The research will utilise advanced single-molecule imaging techniques, including FRET-based imaging and custom microscopy, to identify and quantify these biomarkers with unprecedented sensitivity and high throughput using microfluidics fabrication.

This role will focus on the development and implementation of state-of-the-art optical microscopy methods to study biofluid samples, combined with microfluidics and biochemical assay development, alongside machine learning-based data analysis.

Key Responsibilities:

- Develop and apply advanced single-molecule imaging and analysis techniques for detecting alpha-synuclein oligomers.

- Collaborate with clinical partners to acquire and process diverse biofluid samples.

- Design and optimise assays to target specific oligomeric assemblies.

- Work closely with collaborators at The Francis Crick Institute to validate findings and ensure disease relevance.

- Publish high-impact research findings and contribute to the development of a prototype diagnostic tool.

Essential Qualifications and Skills:

- A PhD (or be close to completion) in chemistry, biophysics, neuroscience, or a related discipline.

- Strong background in optical microscopy, advanced imaging techniques, or single-molecule methods.

- Experience with microfluidics device fabrication.

- Experience with protein biochemistry, including assay development.

- Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with a commitment to interdisciplinary research.

Experience with data analysis, machine learning, or image processing is desirable, as is  Knowledge of neurodegenerative diseases or Parkinson's Disease research.

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV), a covering letter and include a publications list in the upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents that have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

For informal inquiries, please contact Prof. Lee directly via email at sl591@cam.ac.uk.

Please quote reference MA44566 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

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

The Department holds an Athena SWAN silver award for women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Advert information