Post Doctoral Research Associate in Molecular Neuroscience at Cardiff University

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join Professor Marcela Votruba’s Mitochondria and Vision Research laboratory as a part of a multidisciplinary project supported by The British Medical Association Dawkins and Strutt (2023) grant entitled: “Mitochondrial transplantation for retinal ganglion cell rescue and health in mitochondrial optic neuropathies“, at the School of Vision Sciences, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University. The successful applicant will work as part of multi-disciplinary group with an international reputation for studies into mitochondrial optic neuropathies and novel therapeutic interventions, ranging from preclinical and experimental to clinical trials supervised by clinician scientist Professor Votruba. Candidates with strong research experience and publication track records in cell and molecular biology are highly recommended to apply for this position.

Mitochondrial optic neuropathies (MON) affect at least 1 in 10,000 worldwide. They are characterised by the dysfunction of mitochondria due to defects in either nuclear or mitochondrial DNA. In MON, mitochondrial dysfunction drives visual dysfunction due to loss of RGCs, resulting in progressive and irreversible loss of vision, often starting in childhood and early adulthood. RGC degeneration is extremely hard to repair or regenerate.  This leads to significant disability as loss of vision in childhood or early adult life leads to problems with mobility, employment, and independence.

This project is for a pilot study to test if mitochondrial transplantation by stem cell horizontal transfer leads to a meaningful and durable increase in mitochondrial activity in a mouse model of MON.

Please read the job description and person specification carefully. To ensure that you demonstrate how you meet all the essential criteria in your Supporting Statement, you can use the criteria as headings to guide your application. Similarly, show how you meet as many of the desirable criteria as you can. 

The position is fully funded for one year fixed term, full-time 35 hours per week. 

For informal enquires please contact Professor Marcela Votruba: votrubam@cf.ac.uk 

Secondment opportunity welcome – please note for Cardiff University members of staff interested in this post on a secondment basis, permission will need to be sought from your current Line Manager before applying.

Please be aware that Cardiff University reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.
 
Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds.  We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age.  In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at:  Responsible research assessment – Research – Cardiff University