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Vacancy: Centre Director, UK DRI at Cardiff
The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI), principally funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC), and Cardiff University are seeking to appoint an outstanding established academic to a new Chair in Neuroscience and to leadership of the UK DRI Centre at Cardiff within the School of Medicine. The internationally recognised scientist can work in any area relevant to the Institute's overarching mission, including the biology of behavioural and psychiatric features of dementia.
Closing date: 20 March 2025
Full information
Vacancies
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Key details
- Location UK DRI at Cardiff
These fellowships are designed to help early-career researchers enhance their skills and career prospects by working abroad. The scheme is open to all research fields and provides an opportunity for postdocs to conduct a specific research project in a new setting. Cardiff University allows you to work in a thriving research environment while benefitting from a comprehensive package of support to ensure that you get the most out of your time at Cardiff. Funded by the European Commission, the scheme offers two types of MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships. Both allow secondments and/or a non-academic placement.
European Fellowships- one to two years in duration
- hosted at an organisation in an EU member state or Horizon Europe associated country
- open to researchers of all nationalities
Global Fellowships- two to three years in duration with:
- an outgoing phase hosted at an organisation outside of Europe
- a one-year return phase hosted at an organisation in an EU member state or associated country
- open to nationals or long term residents of EU member states or Horizon Europe associated countries
For more information about the fellowships, visit the MSCA webpages.
Hosting offers are open in the following subject areas:
- The role of microglia in Alzheimer's disease (supervisor Prof Phil Taylor)
- Biostatistics/Bioinformatics/Machine Learning (supervisor Prof Valentina Escott-Price)
- Bioinformatics and Stem Cell Modelling (supervisor Prof Caleb Webber)
- Complement in Alzheimer's disease (supervisor Dr Wioleta Zelek)
- Exploring early disease mechanisms including endocytic dysfunction in Alzheimer’s Disease (supervisor Dr Natalie Connor-Robson)
- Genetic association (supervisor Dr Rebecca Sims)
- Synaptic imaging in neurodegeneration using novel MRI technology (supervisors Dr Dayne Beccano-Kelly & Dr Marco Palombo)
- Developing new therapeutics in Huntington's disease (supervisor Dr Tom Massey)
- Developing novel therapeutic avenues for expanded CAG/CTG repeat disorders (supervisor Prof Vincent Dion)
- Deciphering the Molecular Pathways Governing Mitochondrial Dynamics in Neurons: Implications for Neurodegenerative Disorders (supervisor Dr Dr Gaynor Smith )
- Cell and in vivo models of neurodegenerative disease (supervisor Dr Owen Peters)
About you
Researchers must have:- a doctoral degree by 10 September 2025
- a maximum of 8 years full-time equivalent experience in research, measured from the date that the researcher was in possession of a doctoral degree to 10 September 2025
How to Apply
For further details and to submit your Expression of Interest, please refer to the Cardiff University MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships page
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Key details
- Location: UK DRI at Cardiff, Cardiff
- Salary: UKRI level minimum stipend of £20,780 per year for your living costs
About the Project
An individual's risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is partially determined by changes in their genes. Small changes in specific genes increase the risk of developing AD. Genetic analysis of large cohorts of individuals have reported an association with variants in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes and AD. An individual’s HLA genotype determines how the immune response recognises and responds to different antigens in different individuals and variants in HLA have been reported as major risk factors for complex diseases. Within the brain, HLA genes are predominantly expressed on the surface of microglia and present peptides to T-cells. Due to the highly polymorphic nature of HLA genes, the strong linkage disequilibrium and the population-specific genetic diversity determining the exact genetic variants responsible for influencing disease risk is complex, and how an individual’s HLA makeup drives AD aetiology remains to be explored.
This studentship will use a range of bioinformatic and wet lab approaches and be based in the lab of Dr Sarah Carpanini (iPSC) and co-supervised by Dr Rebecca Sims (bioinformatician). The student will use induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models of microglia with different HLA genetics to explore whether variants in HLA alter microglial antigen presentation in AD.
This will improve our understanding of how the HLA genes influence risk for AD, which HLA genes are most important in AD, and how these HLA genes affect microglia function. Understanding the genes influencing AD allows us to identify those at risk and assist in developing new drug treatments.
The student will gain expertise in neurodegenerative disease modelling, molecular biology and genetics and be based in the UK Dementia Research Institute (DRI) at Cardiff University.
Entry Requirements
You will hold or expect to achieve a First or Upper Second Class degree in biomedical science, biochemistry, cell biology or a related subject. As this is a training doctorate, previous research experience is not essential.
Applicants whose first language is not English are normally expected to meet the minimum University requirements (e.g. 6.5 IELTS).
Training
Researchers at the UK DRI at Cardiff have access to a wide range of resources to help them achieve their research ambitions. Specialist training for early career researchers provides access to a wide range of hands-on workshops, online modules and one-to-one coaching.
The Cardiff Researcher Programme covers over 100 training topic areas, which will equip researchers with the knowledge and skills needed to run successful projects. Staff can also benefit from a leadership and management programme.
Staff networks
The UK DRI at Cardiff has several active staff networks, including an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion network, and an Early Career Researcher (ECR) network.
More widely within the university, there are a range of different networks for staff, including a Black, Asian and Minority Staff Network, Disability Staff Network, EMPOWER: Femail PI Network, Enfys (LGBT+ Network for staff), International Staff Network, Neurodiversity and Inclusivity Network. Visit the Cardiff University website for more information on the support available for researchers and staff.