Dementia is the biggest health challenge of our century.
To date there is no way to prevent it or even slow its progression, and there is an urgent need to fill the knowledge gap in our basic understanding of the diseases that cause it.
The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) is the biggest UK initiative driving forward research to fill this gap.
We are a globally leading multidisciplinary research institute of 700 staff investigating the spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders causing dementia, with laboratory-based research groups located at University College London, the University of Cambridge, Cardiff University, Edinburgh University, Imperial College London and King’s College London.
UCL’s strength in combining excellent clinical and basic neuroscience research to advance our understanding of neurodegeneration and identify novel targets and therapeutic approaches for dementia resulted in its selection as the hub of the UK DRI. Research at the UK DRI at UCL?covers the journey from the person living with dementia to the laboratory and back again - with improved diagnosis and potential therapies put to the test. The groups believe in intervening earlier in disease in order to change the trajectory.
Applications are invited for a Research Fellow to join the project: Neurobiology of synaptic tau and its propagation in Alzheimer’s disease. In Alzheimer’s disease (AD), pathological conformations of the microtubule-associate protein tau spread in the brain via neuronal connections, likely to be synaptic. However, the mechanism of tau release from synapses has not yet been characterised. Understanding how pathological tau reaches the synapse, accumulates in vesicles, is released, and eventually is taken up by postsynaptic cells, is a hot topic in AD research. We believe that by identifying the molecular mechanisms controlling tau release and spreading, we could revolutionise the treatment of AD. The findings are likely to be relevant also for other human brain disorders characterised by protein aggregation and spreading.
The successful applicant will have the opportunity to use a variety of techniques, including but not limited to live imaging, intravital microscopy, molecular, cellular and functional approaches.
Person Criteria
Applicants should have a PhD in Neuroscience, Biology or related discipline and experience in neurobiology research, including biochemical approaches. An ability to maintain high standards of technical excellence and experimental reproducibility is essential as are IT proficiency at advanced user lever and excellent oral and written communication skills. An excellent academic record with evidence of creative work is also a requirement. Experience in confocal microscopy and image analysis, in managing mouse colonies and regulated procedures, being a Personal Licence holder, in live cell imaging and of working on synaptic mechanisms is desirable.
If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact Samantha Robinson, HR Officer, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, email: IoN.HRAdmin@ucl.ac.uk
