UK DRI Postdoctoral Research Associate Neurodegenerative Diseases - King's College London

Vacancy Reference Number

R6/PNN/2167/18-HH

Closing Date

25 Nov 2018

Salary

£37,412 to £40,568 Grade 6, inclusive of £3,223 per annum London Allowance

Address

Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London

Duration

Fixed term for 3 years

Closing date: Midnight on 25 November 2018

The salary will be paid at Grade 6, £37,412 to £40,568 per annum, inclusive of £3,223 per annum London Allowance.

We are seeking to appoint a postdoctoral research associate in neuroscience to Professor Lawrence Rajendran’s newly established lab in the UK Dementia Research Institute (DRI) at King’s College London. The UK DRI at King’s sits within the Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience. Funded by the Medical Research Council, Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer’s Research UK, the UK DRI is a national consortium focused on cutting-edge dementia research.

Neurodegenerative diseases are complex diseases whose aetiologies cannot be pinned to a few genes. In the case of late onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the identity of the risk genes is still not known. The lab uses state of the art high-throughput screening methods and cell biological tools to identify genes involved in AD and other neurodegenerative diseases and in parallel, also characterize the mechanism by which they regulate this process (Paolicelli et al, 2017; Siegel et al, Cell Reports, 2017; Ben Halima et al, Cell Reports, 2016; Udayar et al, Cell Reports, 2013; Rajendran, et al, Science, 2008). By combining functional genomics with computational tools and validation in animal models, we intend to understand the complex molecular network that underlie AD.

Recently, we identified a nutrient sensing pathway in neurons and in microglia, whose dysfunction is causally related to Alzheimer’s disease (Paolicelli et al, Neuron, 2017). This is an exciting project which links genetics, life-style and neuroinflammation to Alzheimer’s disease. The postdoctoral candidate will focus on studying how nutrient sensing pathways in neurons and microglia contribute to amyloid formation and clearance and synaptic function. Candidates should have their PhDs in Neuroscience, Molecular or Cell Biology, or Animal Genetics or an equivalent area. Only candidates who have experience with mice work need apply.

Candidates should be able to demonstrate a track record of independent productive research, have strong organizational, written, and verbal skills and be able to work both independently and as part of a laboratory team. Our lab is an international and fun lab comprised of people with varied scientific expertise thus allowing opportunities for open and deep scientific discussions. The role will involve cell/molecular biology and biochemical techniques and animal experiments.

This post will be offered on a fixed-term contract for 3 years.

This is a full-time post - 100% full-time equivalent

The selection process will include a panel interview and a presentation.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role please contact: Professor Lawrence Rajendran; lawrence.rajendran@kcl.ac.uk

To apply, please register with the King’s College London application portal and complete your application online.

For more information and to apply, click here

Contact Details

Professor Lawrence Rajendran: lawrence.rajendran@kcl.ac.uk