Research Associate in Molecular Neuroscience

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join Professor Marcela Votruba’s Mitochondria and Vision Research laboratory as a part of a multidisciplinary project supported by Fight for Sight at the School of Vision Sciences, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University. The successful applicant will work as part of multi-disciplinary group with an international reputation for studies into mitochondrial optic neuropathies and novel therapeutic interventions, ranging from preclinical and experimental to clinical trials supervised by clinician scientist Professor Votruba. Candidates with strong research experience and publication track records in cell and molecular biology are highly recommended to apply for this position. 

Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is a mitochondrial condition in which patients go blind due to loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). All patients with LHON have complex I dysfunction in the respiratory chain, leading to a bioenergetic crisis. A striking feature of LHON is that some patients experience a recovery in vision, even in the absence of any treatment. Intriguingly this recovery can manifest several years after vision loss. Collectively these observations suggest that the initial metabolic decompensation in LHON does not kill all RGCs and that mitochondrial function can be enhanced to support the repair of residual quiescent and dysfunctional RGCs leading to visual recovery.

Our aims are to understand how RGCs can become sick and dysfunctional, and yet still maintain the capability to recover. The post holder will conduct pre-clinical laboratory research into the structure and function of retinal ganglion cells in mitochondrial eye disease. The project will focus on retinal ganglion cell pathophysiology in conditions of complex I deficiency, and will involve generating cellular models, including iPScells, molecular, biochemical and cellular assays and in vivo methodologies.   

The position is fully funded for three years, full-time, fixed term, with an intended start date of June 1st, 2023. The start date is negotiable, if necessary, and will be mutually agreed upon after an offer is made. 

Salary: £36,333 - £43,155 per annum (Grade 6)
Please note that it is not expected that we will appoint above grade 6.30, currently £36,333 per annum.

For informal enquires please contact Professor Marcela Votruba: votrubam@cf.ac.uk

Closing date: Monday 17 April 2023

Cardiff University reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds.  We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age.  In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at:  Responsible research assessment - Research - Cardiff University

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