Research Associate (Fixed Term)

The Cambridge Stem Cell Institute is an international centre of excellence for stem cell research and regenerative medicine. Scientists in the Institute collaborate to advance our knowledge of various stem cell types and to perform pioneering work in translational research areas, providing the foundation for new medical treatments (https://www.stemcells.cam.ac.uk/).

The laboratory of Prof. Thóra Káradóttir (https://www.stemcells.cam.ac.uk/people/pi/karadottir) investigates how changes in myelin affect neuronal circuit function, and how myelin loss contributes to neurodegenerative disease. Using a multidisciplinary approach, the group focuses on understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate myelination in both health and disease.

A major area of research in the Káradóttir lab focuses on oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), lineage-committed progenitor cells that proliferate and differentiate into myelinating oligodendrocytes. The lab has made significant contributions to our understanding of neuron-OPC communication, demonstrating that OPCs can sense neuronal activity directly through neurotransmitter receptors and that this activity-dependent communication regulates OPC state, thereby promoting adaptive myelination and remyelination.

To investigate the mechanisms underlying OPC-neuronal communication and activity-dependent myelination, the group combines in vivo and in vitro approaches with electrophysiology, genetic tools, and advanced imaging techniques. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings are used to characterise the activity, composition, and developmental expression of neurotransmitter receptors in OPCs, while transgenic mouse models enable temporal control of receptor subunit expression.

The successful candidate will investigate the role of NMDA receptor subunits in regulating OPC state and function across the lifespan. Using a combination of whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology and Patch-seq, they will characterise age-dependent changes in NMDA receptor-mediated signalling and determine how these changes influence the ability of OPCs to detect and respond to neuronal activity. They will also identify the downstream molecular pathways regulated by NMDA receptor activation and define how these pathways contribute to OPC function at different stages of life.

Requirements

Successful applicants should hold, or be close to completing, a PhD in Neuroscience or a closely related discipline. A strong background in transgenic mouse models, whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology of OPCs, and analysis of electrophysiological data is essential. Expertise in myelin biology and experience with Patch-seq methodologies would be an advantage. The successful candidate will be highly organised, capable of working both independently and collaboratively, and able to communicate scientific findings effectively to a range of audiences.

Start date is flexible but can be as early as January 2026.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post in the first instance are available for 6 months.

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 £34,132) 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.

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