Research Associate x2 (Cardiff)

Vacancy Reference Number

17537BR

Closing Date

3 Dec 2023

Salary

£39,347 - £44,263 per annum (Grade 6). Appointments to roles at Cardiff University are usually made at bottom of scale unless in exceptional circumstances.

Address

UK DRI at UK DRI at Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF14 4XN

Duration

Both posts are full time (35 hours per week), fixed term for 2.5 years and are available immediately.

About the job 

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.

The UK DRI at Cardiff is one of 7 UK centers bringing together world-leading scientists to deliver a step-change in the scientific understanding of dementia, generating new targets for drug development, reinvigorating the therapeutic pipeline and helping to transform care.

Applications are invited for two Research Associate positions in Neuroinflammation/ Complement Biology in the UK DRI at Cardiff University School of Medicine, based at the Hadyn Ellis Building.
These posts will join a new programme of research supported by LifeArc that explores the role of neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The work focuses on the development of new therapeutic approaches to treatment of AD and other dementias through targeting the complement system, a known driver of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. The appointees will join a team developing and testing novel brain-penetrant complement-blocking drugs using in vitro and in vivo systems. The ultimate aim of the work is to develop brain-penetrant drugs that modulate complement dysregulation in the brain in AD that are ready for progression to human trials.

Job Description

Main function:

To conduct research within the area of dementia and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of work in high-quality journals. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Research

• To conduct research within the area of dementias and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students. 
• To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals
• To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required
• To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting
• To prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate
• To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field
• To participate in School research activities.
• To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions,   explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects

Other

• To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally to raise awareness of the School profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile.
• To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to the role and which will enhance performance.
• To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world
• Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

Essential Criteria 

Qualifications and Education

1.    Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in a related subject area or relevant industrial experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

2.    An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within one or more of the following research fields:

i.    Immunology and Inflammation biology

ii.    Neuroscience and dementia research

iii.    Drug development and testing

3.    Knowledge of current status of research in neuroimmunology, neurodegeneration and dementia therapies

4.    Proven ability to publish in national  journals and/or present at relevant conferences

5.    Knowledge and understanding of process of obtaining competitive research funding, including contributing to development of applications to funding bodies

Communication and Team Working

6.    Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication

7.    Ability to supervise the work of others, to work as part of a team and focus team efforts, and to motivate individuals

Other

8.    Proven capacity for creativity, innovation and team-working within the workplace

Desirable Criteria

9.    Relevant professional qualification(s)

10.  Evidence of collaborations with industry.

11.  Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community.

12.  Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the School.

Candidates with a Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in a related subject area or experience in  one or more of the areas of immunology, neuroimmunology, dementia models and drug development are encouraged to apply.

Contact Information

To apply visit here

Informal inquiries should be made to Prof. B. Paul Morgan (morganbp@cardiff.ac.uk) or Dr Wiola Zelek (zelekw@cardiff.ac.uk).