Research Associate Neuropathology - Cerebrovascular Disease

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The Role
We seek an enthusiastic and ambitious Research Associate based at the Translational and Clinical Research Institute to investigate how specific regulators of microglia state (abundance/function) influence the microglia-endothelial cell axis in the development and progression of white matter abnormalities relevant to vascular cognitive impairment and dementia.

The position, part of a large collaborative programme funded by NIH/NINDS, is reviewed on an annual basis with potential for funding up to 3 years.

The project will primarily involve investigation of CNS pathological material from well- characterised clinical study of elderly stroke survivors. The focus is on white matter damage and vascular cognitive impairment with histopathological and single-cell transcriptomic approaches to assess microglia states. A range of in vitro, cellular, molecular and quantitative neuroimaging techniques will be used to compare against available clinical, cognitive profile and neuroimaging data to study blood brain barrier integrity, white matter microstructure and inflammation.

In parallel collaborative studies supported by team of researchers (Edinburgh), single cell RNA sequencing and FISH/ICH may be used to identify how targeting regulators of microglia number/function impact on microglia and on endothelial cell populations, their cell state(s), intercellular communication and how these might alter in relation to the progression of white matter abnormalities and cognition. The work will also be related to findings in relevant rodent models.

You will be based in the laboratory of Prof. Raj Kalaria.

As part of the research programme, the lead and key project investigators Prof Karen Horsburgh, Dr. Jill Fowler, Dr. Barry McColl and Dr. Axel Montagne (all University of Edinburgh) will provide advice and expertise to also support a multi-disciplinary approach and an excellent training and mentorship environment as necessary.

You will be embedded within a rich local neuroscience, immunology, vascular and neuroimaging research community.

You will have a PhD in a relevant discipline (eg neuroscience, immunology, biomedical sciences). Ideally you will have knowledge, interests and skills in cerebrovascular disease and/or dementia and/or neuroimmunology as well as experience in immunohistochemistry or assessing CNS pathological specimens. You will work well independently and in a team of other researchers and will drive productive interactions with the key collaborating labs. Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential.

To apply for this position, we will need a copy of your CV and covering letter outlining why you are interested in this project and what skills you have that would benefit the project.

The role is full-time, fixed-term for 12 months.

Further information can be obtained by contacting Professor Raj Kalaria, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5PL, UK; Office Tel: +441912081352; Email: raj.kalaria@newcastle.ac.uk.

Find out more about the Faculty of Medical Sciences here: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/.

Find out more about our Research Institutes here: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/research/institutes/.

Please note that if you are successful to this role, you will require medical clearance before you can commence in the role.

Qualifications

• A PhD in a relevant area E.g Neurosciences, Immunology, biomedical sciences.

Desirable

• MD in relevant area.
• Honors degree in neuroscience or immunology, pharmacology or biomedical sciences.

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