Research Associate in Circadian Biology

The Brancaccio Lab invites applications from talented, highly motivated and creative postdoctoral scientists to take a leading role in one of the following projects investigating molecular cellular and circuit mechanisms driving circadian dysfunction in pre-clinical models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

What you would be doing

Project: Leveraging circadian clocks to prevent Alzheimer’s disease

In this project, you will develop new molecular tools modifying circadian pathways to prevent/ delay Alzheimer’s disease. This project stems from newly established mouse models and clock molecular targets identified in the Brancaccio Lab. You will perform viral delivery of gene therapy viral vectors, behavioural assessment of sleep-wake cycles and cognition, multiplexed live imaging in brain tissue, combinatorial intersectional genetics, and multivariate statistical analysis of time series to validate new chronotherapeutic interventions in Alzheimer’s disease. Further experience with analyses of large ‘OMICS dataset and advanced molecular biology tools in addition to stereotaxic brain surgery and live imaging will be an element of significant strength for this position. Previous knowledge of circadian biology is desirable but not strictly necessary.

What we are looking for

• You will be a motivated and organised researcher, excited by the science we do.
• You will hold (or be near completion of) a PhD in neuroscience (or related discipline).
• Experience of one or more laboratory techniques including live imaging microscopy and advanced techniques of molecular biology (e.g., cloning, viral vector design, construction and production, CRISPR/Cas9 and/or RNAi functional interference
• Experience of one or more software packages is essential: MATLAB, ImageJ, SigmaPlot,
• Prism, R, as is experience in statistical analysis.
• Practical experience with RNAseq, RNA scope, and spatial transcriptomic techniques is highly desirable.
• Experience with multivariate statistical analysis of (circadian) time series is highly desirable.

What we can offer you

This role is part of the UK Dementia Research Institute at Imperial College London, located in the Department of Brain Sciences.  You will benefit from an active research (and social) environment in the Department of Brain Sciences, with additional research labs in the Sir Michael Uren Hub on the nearby White City Campus. Postdocs in the UK DRI at Imperial enjoy excellent career development opportunities with:

• Access to a range of cutting-edge technologies, i.e., real-time live imaging for circadian gene expression and neuronal and glial metabolic function, automated behavioural testing, single cell/nuclei transcriptomics, Imaging Mass Cytometry and computational modelling.
• An inclusive and collegial working environment.
• Strong national links through the UK DRI with attendance at its annual scientific meeting ‘Connectome’.
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career: Gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).

Further information

This role is offered on a full time, fixed term basis for 12 months, and is based at Hammersmith Campus.

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