At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a cutting-edge research team exploring neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease.
- Company: UK Dementia Research Institute at Cardiff University, a vibrant and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Enjoy 45 days annual leave, local pension scheme, and a cycle-to-work scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working options available to support your work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on dementia research and contribute to innovative therapeutic strategies.
- Qualifications: Experience in immunology, neuroimmunology, or dementia models is encouraged.
The predicted salary is between 33951 - 36636 £ per year.
Research and Innovation Research Assistant position in Neuroinflammation/Complement Biology at the UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) Cardiff University, School of Medicine, on the Heath Park campus. The appointee will join a new research programme supported by a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship awarded to Dr. Wioleta Zelek, exploring the role of neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. The work focuses on the complement system as a driver of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, and on developing and testing brain-penetrant complement-blocking drugs in vitro and in vivo for brain access, inhibition of the complement system, and impact on disease pathology and progression. The ultimate aim is to develop brain-penetrant therapeutic strategies to modulate complement dysregulation in AD suitable for human trials.
This post is full time (35 hours per week), fixed term, available from 1 September 2026 for 2.5 years.
Location and Division:
- Division: Infectious Diseases and Immunology
- UK DRI Cardiff: UK DRI Cardiff
Cardiff University offers many benefits, including 45 days annual leave (including bank holidays), local pension scheme, a cycle-to-work scheme, annual increments within the pay scale, and more. The university is a Living Wage employer and an exciting, vibrant place to work.
Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will contribute to a new research programme and work on immunology and neuroimmunology approaches, plus dementia models and drug testing or equivalent experience.
Qualifications and Experience:
Candidates with experience in immunology, neuroimmunology and/or dementia models and drugs testing or equivalent experience are encouraged to apply.
Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Wioleta Zelek (zelekw@cardiff.ac.uk).
Terms and Conditions:
Salary: £33,951 – £36,636 per annum (Grade 5). Appointments at Cardiff University are usually made at bottom of scale unless in exceptional circumstances. This post is full-time (35 hours per week), fixed term for 2.5 years, available from 1 September 2026.
Application and Equality:
Closing date: Monday, 15 June 2026. Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We 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. We will consider flexible working or job-share arrangements to support work-life balance.
Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and a Welsh submission will not be treated less favourably than an English submission.
Research Assessment:
Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA). We evaluate applicants on the quality of their research rather than publication metrics or journal identity. More information: Responsible research assessment – Research – Cardiff University.
Research Assistant in Cardiff employer: Internal & External Website
Cardiff University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee well-being with generous benefits such as 45 days of annual leave and a local pension scheme. As part of the UK Dementia Research Institute, employees have the unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research in neuroinflammation and dementia, while enjoying ample opportunities for professional growth and development within a supportive academic community.
Contact Details:
Internal & External Website Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant in Cardiff
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of neuroinflammation and dementia research. Attend relevant events or webinars, and don’t be shy to slide into DMs on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the complement system and its role in Alzheimer's disease. Be ready to discuss your previous experience in immunology and drug testing. Show them you’re not just a candidate, but a passionate researcher!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the position and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Research Assistant role. We want to see your application directly! Make sure to highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Research Assistant role. Highlight your experience in immunology, neuroimmunology, or dementia models, as this will show us you’re a great fit for the team!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for neuroinflammation and Alzheimer’s research shine through in your application. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about the work we do at the UK DRI!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible, so we can easily see your qualifications and experiences without getting lost in the details.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Internal & External Website
✨Know Your Research
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest findings related to neuroinflammation and Alzheimer’s disease. Familiarise yourself with Dr Wioleta Zelek's work and the specific research programme at the UK DRI. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that dive deep into immunology, neuroimmunology, and drug testing methodologies. Brush up on relevant techniques and be ready to discuss your previous experiences in these areas. Being able to articulate your knowledge clearly will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Think of examples from your past experiences where you faced challenges in research or experiments. Be prepared to explain how you approached these problems and what solutions you implemented. This demonstrates your critical thinking and adaptability, which are crucial for a research assistant role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the research programme, team dynamics, or future projects. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you.
