Research Associate Dementia - University of Cambridge

Vacancy Reference Number

ZE17132

Closing Date

28 Nov 2018

Salary

£32,236-£39,609

Address

Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge

Duration

Fixed term for 3 years

Applications are invited for a research associate to join the team of Dr Gabriel Balmus, in the newly established UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) Centre at the University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge UK.

The mission of the UK DRI at the University of Cambridge, is to create a collaborative, inter-disciplinary Centre, combining world-leading expertise unique to Cambridge from chemistry, biophysics and structural biology with internationally leading research in the cell biology of neurodegeneration. This environment will enable creative and innovative approaches to the study of neurodegenerative disease and drive a gear change in our scientific understanding.

The scientific focus of the Centre is on understanding mechanisms involved in the earliest stages of neurodegenerative disease in order, to ultimately deliver therapeutic targets with the greatest potential to prevent dementia. Three Foundation programmes led by DRI professors are complemented by three new programmes led by DRI Fellows (including Dr. Balmus) to develop this field.
We are now looking for a research associate to join the laboratory of Dr. Gabriel Balmus. The focus of the Balmus Lab is to understand the DNA Damage Response mechanisms by which neurons deal with endogenous genotoxic stresses (such as oxidative stress, R-loop formation etc.), towards impeding the accumulation of toxic genomic instability and subsequent progression of neuronal senescence, neurodegeneration and ageing. Furthermore, we aim to understand how this information can be harnessed to inform on key nodes that can be therapeutically targeted to confer protection.

A new project funded by UK-DRI, is to identify genes causally involved responding to endogenous genotoxic stress known to be important in a number of neurodegenerative diseases and aging as to inform on therapeutic target selection towards rebalancing disease. This will be achieved by means of whole genome CRISPR-Cas9 genetic screening in mouse and human haploid embryonic stem cells that can be rapidly transdifferentiated into neurons.

Education to PhD level in a relevant subject is required. Knowledge of techniques in cell and molecular biology is essential although training in all relevant techniques will be provided.

To learn more about Balmus Lab please visit: https://www.balmuslab.org/

For further enquiries please contact: gb318@medschl.cam.ac.uk

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please visit: 
http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/19246/

Closing date: 28th November 2018

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a covering letter and publications in the Upload section of the online application. 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 e-mail address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

Please quote reference ZE17132 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity.

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

Contact Details

gb318@medschl.cam.ac.uk