Research Associate

Advert

Research Associate
Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neuroscience
School of Medicine
College of Biomedical and Life Sciences

We are looking for a post-doctoral research associate to join the Dr Gaynor Smith Lab in the School of Medicine and UK Dementia Research Institute at Cardiff University.

In this role, you will:
• To conduct research on an Alzheimer\’s Research UK (ARUK)-funded research project to assess the contribution of Late Onset Alzheimer\’s disease (LOAD) risk genes in both Drosophila and human iPSC-derived neurons.
• Use state of the art in vitro and in vivo model systems to explore role LOAD risk genes in mitochondria dysfunction, metabolism and pathology in ageing neurons.
• You will have opportunities to develop your research skills, collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of researchers working in translational neuroscience, develop skills in data analysis, manuscript preparation and presentation at research meetings.

We\’d like to hear from you if you:
• are an enthusiastic and ambitious PDRA candidate with a drive to work in neuroscience, dementia and neurodegeneration-focused research;
• are excited to join a collaborative project, and contribute to the wider objectives of a translational research team;
• have research experience working in Drosophila genetics and/or iPSC neuron culture, confocal microscopy and/or post-mortem human tissue and molecular biology/biochemistry, with a research interest in Alzheimer\’s disease, neurodegenerative disease and/or cellular metabolism.

This post is based at the Hadyn Ellis Building, Cathays campus.

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.

How we will support you in performing in this role –
There are some things that you must have before you can start this role (see \’Essential Criteria\’), but other things can be developed either through training, or just by general on-the-job experience. We want to support and develop you once you have started in the role using a combination of the following to get the best out of you:

1. Regular one-to-ones with your manager
2. An experienced and supportive team around you
3. Supporting you through job-relevant training and development that you may require
4. A mentoring scheme

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

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

Salary: £40,497 – £45,413 per annum (Grade 6). Appointments to roles at Cardiff University are usually made at bottom of scale unless in exceptional circumstances.

Date advert posted: Tuesday, 10 June 2025

Closing date: Tuesday, 8 July 2025

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.

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

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

Job Description

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

Key Duties

Research
• 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. 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 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.

Additional Information

IMPORTANT: Evidencing Criteria
Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria as well as, where relevant, the desirable criteria.

As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement. Please ensure when submitting this document / attaching it to you application profile you name it with the vacancy reference number, in this instance, 19987BR

Person Specification

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 the following research fields:
i. Drosophila Genetics
ii. Microscopy and/or biochemistry
iii. Alzheimer\’s disease and/or other neurodegenerative diseases
3. Knowledge of current status of research in specialist field
4. Proven ability to publish in international journals and international conferences and/or other research outputs
5. Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop 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 focus team efforts and motivate individuals

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

Desirable Criteria

10. Relevant professional qualification(s)
11. Evidence of collaborations with industry.
12. Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community.
13. Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the School.
14. Wet lab experience in iPSC differentiation and assays and or other human/mammalian cell culture #J-18808-Ljbffr