Job ID: 87474

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Position: Post-doctoral Position

Deadline: 29 September 2022

Contract Length: 12 months initially with possibility to extend up to 36 months

City: Edinburgh

Country: United Kingdom

Institution: University of Edinburgh

Department: UK DRI/ Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences

Description:

Full-time (35 hours per week), 1 post

The Durrant lab (UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh) are looking for a highly motivated, enthusiastic postdoctoral scientist interested in exploring mechanisms of synaptic degeneration in Alzheimer’s disease using translational human tissue models. Prior experience in assessment of neuronal functional activity (e.g. MEA/electrophysiology/calcium imaging) is essential. Further experience in acute/organotypic brain slices, live imaging, tissue culture, confocal imaging, or biochemical techniques (ELISA, western blot, proteomics etc) is desirable. The candidate will have, or will shortly be expecting, a PhD in Neuroscience or a relevant discipline. Informal enquiries are welcomed and can be made to Dr Claire Durrant (claire.durrant@ed.ac.uk) .

The Opportunity:

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a dynamic team developing cutting edge translational methods to explore synapse loss in Alzheimer’s disease. As part of the Durrant lab, the postdoc will be linked with key stakeholders including the UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI), “Race Against Dementia (RAD)” and the James Dyson Foundation (who have funded this project). This project seeks to expand the use of living human brain tissue in Alzheimer’s disease research and develop tools to assess functional activity in living human brain tissue. The successful candidate will have the chance to drive key research questions, develop novel research tools, work with high-spec equipment and develop strong links with collaborators across the DRI, namely Dr Sam Barnes at Imperial DRI, who will offer training (and collaboration) in optogenetic techniques. Questions to be explored include: examination of causes and consequences of glia-synapse interactions, and synaptic/neuronal/network responses to tau or Aβ pathology. This post will involve a combination of functional assays, live imaging and end-stage biochemical readouts in both human and murine organotypic slice cultures. You will be a valued member of an enthusiastic and highly supportive team working in the heart of Edinburgh- recently awarded the title of “Best City in the World 2022” by Time Out.

Your skills and attributes for success:

  • Significant experience of observing, recording and analysing functional neuronal activity (e.g. MEA, electrophysiology, calcium imaging).
  • Demonstrated focus and ability to complete research projects (high quality outputs of publishable quality).
  • Obtained, or shortly expected to obtain, a PhD in Neuroscience (or relevant biological field)
  • Previous experience in a “wet-lab” research laboratory environment (knowledge of good laboratory practice, time management and rigorous record skills).
  • Motivation to drive high quality research into neurodegenerative disorders.

Start date is flexible but ideally by Jan 2023.

For full details- please see job advert and job description here: https://elxw.fa.em3.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1001/job/5141/?utm_medium=jobshare