Post Doctoral Research Associate

About the Role 

Neurons rely on kinesin motor proteins to transport essential cargoes, including proteins, vesicles, and mitochondria, along their long axons. Kinesin-mediated transport is impaired in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, and our recent work indicates that increasing kinesin activity can rescue neuronal defects in models of Alzheimer's disease. 

This project aims to identify small molecules that enhance kinesin activity and intracellular transport. We have developed a cell-based assay that monitors kinesin-dependent movement of intracellular vesicles. Working in collaboration with AstraZeneca, the successful candidate will help optimise the assay for high-throughput screening and identify candidate kinesin activators from a large chemical library. Hits will then be validated at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) using cell biological and biochemical approaches, including fluorescence microscopy, kinesin ATPase assays and in vitro motility assays. 

The Palacios Lab investigates the cellular mechanisms that maintain neuronal function, with a particular interest in kinesin-mediated intracellular transport and its disruption during ageing and neurodegeneration. The project will be jointly supported by Isabel Palacios and Natalia Bulgakova at Queen Mary University of London, with collaboration from Simon Bullock and scientists at AstraZeneca.

The position is MRC-funded for 9 months at 50% FTE and includes working at AstraZeneca in Cambridge. 

About You 

Candidates will hold a PhD (or near completion) or equivalent experience in cell biology, biochemistry or a related field. Substantial hands-on experience with human or mammalian tissue culture and fluorescent microscopy is essential, along with excellent communication skills and enthusiasm for collaborative, translational science. Knowledge and experience in microtubule-directed transport and image analysis are desirable.  

About the School/Department/Institute/Project 

The role sits within the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, one of the largest Schools within QMUL. The school has a strong research output and demanding educational standards for its students, but all members benefit from a high level of academic and social integration. In addition, the school is committed to equality of opportunity and holds a Silver Athena SWAN Award. 

About Queen Mary

At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable.

Throughout our history, we’ve fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. And we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it’s simply ‘the right thing to do’ but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers.

We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.

Benefits

We offer competitive salaries, access to a generous pension scheme, 30 days’ leave per annum (pro-rata for part-time/fixed-term), a season ticket loan scheme and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, and campus facilities.

Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability. We are open to considering applications from candidates wishing to work flexibly.

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