Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA)

About us:

Dr Teodora Trendafilova is supported by a Wellcome Early Career Fellowship. Her research aims to improve our understanding of the neurobiology of arthritis pain, focusing on the dynamic changes that occur over the course of the disease. In particular, her work investigates how the spinal cord and its interactions with the dorsal root ganglia evolve during chronic inflammation and contribute to persistent pain. Teodora is sponsored by Dr Franziska Denk at the Wolfson Sensory, Pain and Regeneration Centre. 

As a successful candidate you would receive day-to-day guidance from Teodora. You would also benefit from the expertise and collaborative environment of Dr Denk’s established research group, who study peripheral neuro-immune-stromal cell interactions in chronic pain conditions. Within our teams, you would therefore have the opportunity to learn more about a wide variety of techniques relevant to pain research, as well as become a member of the Wolfson SPaRC – a world-leading translational science centre focused on neurological and sensory disorders.

About the role:

We are looking for somebody who has experience with the techniques required for this post, including stereotaxic injections, chemogenetics, histology and molecular biology. Some surgical experience is essential.

Training will be provided in in vivo calcium imaging using our multiphoton imaging setup. The role also includes developing a novel approach for awake imaging, which may involve 8 weeks of training in the US.

If you fulfil our essential criteria and are a dedicated researcher with enthusiasm for high-quality science, teamwork, and effective organisational skills, you will be a great fit for this position.

Your funding will come from the Wellcome Trust and includes financial support for attending career development courses and an annual conference. A relocation allowance is also available for candidates moving from outside London. 

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract for 3 years. Ideal start date is 1st September 2026.

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.

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