King's College London

THIS VACANCY IS OPEN TO INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY

About us

The primary research interest of the group involves understanding the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), to identify potential therapeutic target(s) to combat cognitive decline. It is widely believed that changes in the number of synapses are associated with numerous brain disorders, including neurodegenerative disease and mental health. The proposed research will involve performing comprehensive analysis of various disease models and therapeutic interventions, with a specific emphasis on quantifying changes in neurophysiological function, synapse structure, and, altered protein interactomes. Ultimately, the research aims to shed light on the impairment of key processes in different pathological contexts.  

About the role

We are seeking to appoint a research associate to Professor Cho’s Synapse and Therapeutic Discovery Laboratory, to undertake the research project “The role of SHIA6 in synapse protection in humanised models**”**. You will be responsible conducting whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology and multiphoton assays for organotypic slice cultures and iNeurons. Additionally, you will be expected to prepare the slice cultures and iNeurons.

We are looking for an individual who is not only proficient in neurophysiology and multiphoton imaging but also possesses a passion for contributing to cutting-edge research.

This is a full-time post, and you will be offered  a fixed term contract for 18 months in the first instance.

Research staff at King’s are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development. This entitlement, from the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7. Visit the Centre for Research Staff Development for more information.

About you

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1. PhD awarded in relevant subject area*
2. Experience in whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology  
3. Experience in confocal/multiphoton imaging from live tissue samples (e.g. glutamate uncaging, FRAP, calcium imaging) 
4. Experience in tissue culture including, organotypic brain slice, dissociated neurons, and iNeuron 
5. Knowledge of molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative disease or synapse biology 
6. Attention to detail and high standards of accuracy in all work  
7. An ability to work independently and within a team  
8. Willing to work occasionally during weekends and bank holidays  

Desirable criteria

1. Experience of plasmid cloning
2. Protein-protein interaction assay by co-IP

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

* Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.

Further information

We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community.

We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King's.

As part of this commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and through this appointment process, it is our aim to develop candidate pools that include applicants from all backgrounds and communities.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ‘How we Recruit’ pages.

Interviews are due to be held in October

   This post is subject to an Occupational Health clearance.