Research Assistant Neuroscience at Swansea University

Hours: Full time 35 hours

Location: This position will be based at the Singleton Campus

Neuroscience research at Swansea comprises senior investigators, researchers and lecturers, who work on understanding the biological basis of a range of neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases. You will interact with the PI, other researchers, and postgraduate and undergraduate students to investigate the mechanisms of synaptic transmission and neurodegeneration and address the most pressing health challenges in the field with innovative solutions.

Here the Angelini lab proposes membrane lipids as active contributors to the dynamics of vesicle formation and fusion at the synaptic bouton. This view is a framework to increase our understanding of physiological neurotransmission as well as age-dependent and pathological neurodegeneration.

The ideal candidate would be a highly motivated post-doctoral researcher, who would like to develop their scientific skills in a dynamic research environment. You will be working on a project funded by the Academy of Medical Sciences (AMS) – Springboard (https://acmedsci.ac.uk/grants-and-schemes/grant-schemes/springboard). The impact aim of this project is to identify innovative and unhoped therapies to slow down the progression of neurodegeneration, particularly of Alzheimer’s disease.  

Your work will sit across the field of neurobiology and lipidomics, married into what is known as neurolipidomics. This short-term position would suit an experienced and enthusiastic researcher with a PhD in Neuroscience/Neurochemistry/Biochemistry or a related field. Candidates with a background in neurobiology, but willing to solidify bioanalytical techniques and biochemistry are encouraged to apply. Models utilised will include iPSC-derived neurons, Drosophila and Zebrafish. Techniques employed may be tailored on candidates’ skills and inclinations and may include neuronal cell culture, lipid extraction and lipidomics analyses by mass spectrometry, gene-silencing/editing, ICC/IF with fluorescence and confocal microscopy, quantitative cell morphometry (Fiji), immunoblotting (WB), assays of neurotransmitter production and release (ACh, AChE), electrophysiology (multi-electrode array), plasmalogen replacement/supplementation.

You will need to demonstrate an ability to conduct research in line with the objectives of the project and provide evidence of the planning skills necessary to contribute to the research.

Experience in maintaining and analysing neural cultures for the analysis of cell development, differentiation and maturation in vitro would be advantageous; however, training will be provided. First-author publications to demonstrate a track record in neuroscience/neurobiology would be ideal.

Informal enquiries may be made to Dr Roberto Angelini via e-mail:

roberto.angelini@swansea.ac.uk

To apply: Research Assistant Neuroscience (swansea.ac.uk)