From brain vasculature to microglia: elucidating the interactions within the brain and with the body which control the trajectory of neurodegenerative disorders.
Studies are increasingly highlighting the important role of immune, vascular and metabolic factors in the development of neurodegenerative diseases but the interplay between these components in disease progression is poorly understood. The UK DRI at Edinburgh broadens out the traditional view of neurodegenerative disease as a disorder of misfolded proteins to encompass the multicellular environment surrounding degenerating neurons.
The research team lead by Professor Giles Hardingham examines the complex interactions between cells of the brain, immune system and blood vessels that make up the ‘neurogliovascular unit’. They bring together strengths in metabolism, inflammation, blood vessel biology and stem cell medicine to explore how interactions at the neurogliovascular unit control the trajectory of neurodegenerative diseases leading to dementia.
By describing interactions at the neurogliovascular unit that help to maintain cognitive function for several decades in a healthy, ageing brain, the team aim to identify biological regulators that can inform the development of new therapies.
UK DRI at The University of Edinburgh is located on the BioQuarter, Edinburgh's new multidisciplinary research institute and teaching hospital with access to superb multimodal neuroimaging and clinical research facilities.
The Opazo Lab at the UK DRI at Edinburgh is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow with experience with in-vivo two-photon microscopy, optogenetics, stereotaxic surgeries and animal behaviour. The purpose of the role is to investigate the synaptic and neuronal compensatory mechanisms that preserve cognitive function in Alzheimer’s disease mouse models. The project will involve the visualization and optogenetic manipulations of synapses (e.g. dendritic spines) and neuronal ensembles using in-vivo two-photon imaging in the primary visual cortex; as well as AAV-mediated genetic manipulations and animal behaviour. The ideal candidate will have prior experience with in-vivo two-photon imaging microscopy, optogenetics, stereotaxic surgeries and animal behaviour. Some experience with transcriptomics/proteomics, in-utero electroporation, molecular biology and programming (Matlab), would be desirable. Ref: 10199, Closing date: 7 May 2024
Apply to centreThe Opazo Lab at the UK DRI at Edinburgh is seeking a Research Assistant to provide support for ongoing experiments using immunohistochemistry, confocal and two-photon microscopy, stereotaxic surgeries and AAV-mediated genetic manipulations. The primary purpose of the position is to provide research support for ongoing experiments on synaptic compensation and repair in Alzheimer’s disease models. The projects in the lab involve AAV-mediated genetic manipulations, as well as the visualization of synapses (e.g. dendritic spines) using in-vitro and in-vivo two-photon microscopy. The ideal candidate will have prior experience in stereotaxic surgeries, two-photon microscopy and management of transgenic mouse lines colonies, as well as the ability to conduct own research and associated administrative activities. Ref: 10202, Closing date: 7 May 2024
Apply to centreThe Hasel Lab at the UK DRI at Edinburgh is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to explore how astrocytes at the borders of the brain contribute to brain function and dysfunction in disease. The researcher will use single cell RNA-sequencing, spatial transcriptomics and molecular profiling of novel astrocyte subtypes using new astrocyte reporter mice and animal models of neurodegeneration to investigate the astrocytes that make up the glia limitans and their role in brain function and dysfunction. All techniques and analyses can be taught in the lab. This job will be particularly interesting to wet lab scientists wanting to expand their computational skill sets in the analysis of single cell and spatial transcriptomics while still working in a wet lab environment. A PhD (or PhD near completion) in Neuroscience or equivalent professional qualification and/or experience is essential. Ref: 10029, Closing date: Wed 26 April 2024
Apply to centreThe Hasel Lab at the UK DRI at Edinburgh is seeking a Research Assistant to help explore how astrocytes at the borders of the brain contribute to brain function and dysfunction in disease. The candidate will establish, carry out and optimise experimental protocols and perform laboratory organisational activities such as stock checks and ordering, medium and reagent prep and lab maintenance. The post-holder will contribute to data collection for original research through assisting with sample preparation, RNA in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, microscopy and data analysis. The job is in a new research group that combines wet lab work with computational tools and is a great opportunity to learn new skills in molecular biology, histology or help with the generation and analysis of single cell RNA-sequencing and spatial transcriptomics data. A B.Sc. (or equivalent qualification) or higher degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Neuroscience or related field is essential. Ref: 10029, Closing date: Wed 26 April 2024
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