Research Associate

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 based at the Hadyn Ellis Building, Cathays campus. 

The majority of roles at Cardiff University are currently operating under “blended working” arrangements, with staff having the flexibility to work partly from home and partly from the University campus depending on specific business requirements. Discussions around these arrangements can take place after the successful candidate has been appointed.

Cardiff University offers many excellent benefits, including 45 days annual leave (incl bank holidays), local pension scheme, a cycle to work scheme and other travel initiatives, annual increments within the pay scale, and more. It is an exciting and vibrant place to work, with many different challenges and is a proud Living Wage supporter.

For informal enquiries please contact Dr Gaynor Ann Smith on SmithGA@cardiff.ac.uk

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

Salary: £40,497 - £45,413 per annum (Grade 6). Appointments to roles at Cardiff University are usually made at bottom of scale unless in exceptional circumstances.

Closing date: Tuesday, 8 July 2025

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.

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

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