Vacancies

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

About the role

We are looking for a motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our team investigating how Alzheimer’s disease (AD) risk genes influence microglial function in disease. The project focuses on the antigen-presenting role of microglia in amyloid pathology and the immunological impact of MHC-II–mediated responses in the brain.

You will use a wide range of techniques, including our unique human microglia xenograft model (PMID: 31659342, 38539015), and work closely with both computational and experimental teams at the Francis Crick Institute and VIB, Leuven.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to high-impact research in a world-class, collaborative environment.

About you

You’ll have a PhD in Immunology, Neuroscience, or a related field, with experience with macrophage and/or microglia biology and knowledge of molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, or related disciplines, as well as proficiency in cell culture and cell biology techniques, with a strong understanding of immunology and/or antigen presentation.

Experience with animal experiments, particularly in handling and working with mice is also essential for this role.