Research Associate Cardiff

This post is full-time (35 hours per week), available from 1 June 2025 and fixed term until 31 May 2028.

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. UK Dementia Research Institute at Cardiff University is one of six new Dementia Research Institute UK centres.

Job Purpose

To conduct research within the neuroscience and Alzheimer’s disease fields and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.

Duties And Responsibilities

• To conduct research within the neuroscience and Alzheimer’s disease fields 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’s profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities.
• To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to 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.

Person Specification

Qualifications And Education

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

Knowledge, Skills And Experience

• An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within the following research fields:

• Drosophila Genetics
• Microscopy and/or biochemistry
• Alzheimer’s disease and/or other neurodegenerative diseases

Communication and Team Working

• Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication.
• Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals.

Other

• Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work.
• Proven ability to work without close supervision.

Desirable Criteria

• Relevant professional qualification(s).
• Evidence of collaborations with industry.
• Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community.
• Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the School.
• Wet lab experience in iPSC differentiation and assays and or other human/mammalian cell culture.

Contact Details

For informal enquiries please contact Dr Gaynor Ann Smith on SmithGA@cardiff.ac.uk.