Hodge Lecturer in Cellular Psychiatry at Cardiff University

Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute
Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences
Cardiff University School of Medicine
College of Biomedical and Life Sciences

At Cardiff University, we have a lectureship opportunity for an exceptional individual to take a key role in developing the area of Cellular Neuroscience/Psychiatry within the Hodge Centre for Translational Neuroscience, hosted by the Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute (https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/neuroscience-mental-health). 

To make progress in developing new understanding and treatment targets for neuropsychiatric illnesses, we need to understand what the risk genes do in brain cells. To do this we will appoint a Hodge Lecturer in Cellular Psychiatry (working closely alongside our Hodge Lecturer in Neuroscience) to support and grow our vital work in this area to investigate the effects of risk factors in human brain cells. Cardiff is a leader in cellular methods to grow brain cells in the lab, derived from a patient blood sample, which gives us a direct “readout” of the patients own brain cell function. Experiments on these cells will enable us to understand how risk factors affecting synapses and immune pathway alter the function of neurons. This work will be critical for the development of the next generation of treatments for mental illnesses, making this post a key priority.

This post will build on support from the Hodge Foundation, which has included our former Hodge Centre for Neuropsychiatric Immunology and our Jane Hodge Neuroscience Fellowship programme.  We particularly welcome applications from individuals interested in applying their expertise to understanding psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia or major mood disorders. As part of the Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute, led by Professor Jeremy Hall (Hodge Professor of Psychiatry), you will help grow the cross-disciplinary research in this area and will support the translation of genetic risk, diagnostics, and therapeutic intervention to the benefit of the patient.

Please contact Leela Thomas (NMHIIAdmin@cardiff.ac.uk) to arrange informal and confidential discussions concerning the post with Professor Jeremy Hall.

This post is full time (35 hours per week), available immediately and open-ended.

You will be based at the Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff.

Salary: £45,737 – £52,841 per annum (Grade 7) 
Appointments to roles at Cardiff University are usually made at bottom of scale unless in exceptional circumstances.

The majority of roles at Cardiff University are currently operating under “blended working” arrangements, with staff having the flexibility to work partly from home and partly from the University campus depending on specific business requirements. Discussions around these arrangements can take place after the successful candidate has been appointed.

Cardiff University offers many excellent benefits, including 45 days annual leave (incl bank holidays), local pension scheme, a cycle to work scheme and other travel initiatives, annual increments within the pay scale, and more. It is an exciting and vibrant place to work, with many different challenges and is a proud Living Wage supporter.

Date advert posted: Wednesday, 17 May 2023