Research Assistant/Associate (Fixed Term)

We are looking for a motivated, ambitious and independent Research Assistant / Associate to join the group of Professor Maria Grazia Spillantini at Cambridge University.

The position is funded by a grant from Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) partnering with The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's, of which Michel Goedert from the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge is the lead investigator. The work will be done in collaboration with the groups of Sjors Scheres and Michel Goedert at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Zane Jaunmuktane at University College London, Yang Yang at The Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, USA, and Perdita Baran at Manchester University. We are seeking to develop cellular and animal models that replicate the structures of the alpha-synuclein filaments found in the brains of patients with alpha-synucleinopathies, such as Parkinson's disease. In these models, the toxic effects of alpha-synuclein aggregation will also be investigated.

This work aims to develop human iPSCs, iPSC-derived organoids and mouse models of alpha-synuclein aggregation that replicate the filament structures found of human alpha-synucleinopathies. The structures of the filamentous aggregates will be determined by cryo-EM at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology. Methods such as human iPSC cultures and cell biology, immunohistochemistry, protein chemistry and confocal microscopy, as well as protein extraction from human brains will be used. The successful candidates will work in close contact with the collaborators in the grant and will interact with other national and international groups holding ASAP grants.

Key Requirements: 

The applicant must have or be within six months of obtaining a PhD degree at the time of the application. Prior experience in human iPSCs culture and alpha-synuclein aggregation will be an advantage. Experience in immunohistochemistry, molecular biology, protein chemistry, cell biology as well as knowledge of microscopy techniques is desirable. Holding of a Home Office project license and previous work with animal models will be an advantage. The postholder will present results at group meetings, meetings of the ASAP grants network, at scientific conferences, and will prepare reports and drafts of manuscripts. 

For questions relating to the post, please contact Maria Grazia Spillantini at mgs11@cam.ac.uk

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 May 2029 in the first instance.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click 'Apply' above.

Applicants must have (or be close to obtaining) a PhD.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5, Point 38 £34,610) moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of your PhD award.

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

Advert information