Postdoctoral Research Associate

Role Description

We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the team working in the molecular chaperone and neurodegeneration lab headed by Dr Han-Jou Chen. The research scope of the team is to investigate the molecular and cellular pathogenesis underlying neurodegenerative diseases with the aim to develop new therapeutic strategies for neurodegeneration.

Department

The Department of Biology is recognised as one of the leading and most accomplished departments at York, with a global reputation for excellence in both teaching and research. We are committed to fostering a supportive environment where staff and students can thrive, contribute their best, and achieve their full potential. We take great pride in holding the Athena Swan Gold Award.

You will join a vibrant Department and complement our current research strengths. The University of York has a strong track record in neuroscience research and is committed to further strengthening this key strategic area. In the 2021 REF exercise, the University of York was ranked 10^th in the UK for research quality.

The position will be based in the Department of Biology with access to a world-class Bioscience Technology Facility containing state-of-the-art imaging, proteomics and genetics core facilities and animal unit. The Department of Biology is ranked among the top ten UK departments for research excellence (within top 10 in the 2021 REF) and for impact outside of academia.

Role

Our research investigates the molecular and cellular pathogenesis underlying neurodegeneration with the eventual goal of developing new therapeutic strategies to combat neurodegenerative diseases affecting millions of people globally. Our previous work identified a dysregulation of the JNK signaling pathway that contributes to aberrant cell response and toxicity, mediated by disease-associated TDP-43 protein expression. To carry this forward, the successful candidate will further characterise the molecular interaction between TDP-43 and JNK signaling, and dissect the involvement of JNK signaling during TDP-43-mediated neurodegeneration.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

• The successful candidate will be an experienced researcher with a PhD or equivalent research experience in the relevant area of Neuroscience or Cell/Molecular Biology.
• Ability to carry out independent and collaborative research.
• Experience in molecular and cell biology research from designing, running experiments, to data analysis and reporting, both in writing and presentation.
• Experience of working with iPSCs and Drosophila is desirable but not essential.
• A strong commitment to the work and ability to be comfortable in teamwork.
• Ability to be supportive and to work proactively with colleagues and students.

This post is full-time, on a fixed term basis for 36 months, funded by the Motor Neurone Disease Association. 

Interview date: To be confirmed

For informal enquiries: Please contact Dr Han-Jou Chen at han-jou.chen@york.ac.uk.

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. 

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum (essential) criteria for each position will be offered an interview. Read more about the University of York’s commitments under the Disability Confident scheme.

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