Research Associate

14988BR

School of Medicine

Research

Advert

Research Associate
Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences
Cardiff University School of Medicine
College of Biomedical and Life Sciences

A position is available for Research Associate on an MRC-funded research project studying the neurobiological consequences of reduced dosage of the psychiatric risk gene CACNA1C encoding the alpha1 subunit of L-type CaV1.2 voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs). The research uses state of the art two-photon imaging, patch clamp electrophysiology, molecular and behavioural paradigms to investigate the role of Ca2+-sensitive K+ channel mechanisms in the neurophysiological and behavioural deficits in Cacna1c rodent models.

The successful candidate will have a PhD in Neuroscience or equivalent area. The following expertise is required: electrophysiology recordings in ex vivo brain slices, two-photon fluorescence scanning microscopy, wet lab techniques including protein biochemistry (western blot, immunoprecipitation), molecular biology (PCR, in situ hybridization), immunohistochemistry, and laboratory animal work experience with an active Home Office license for modules 1-4. 

The candidate will be highly motivated and will demonstrate a strong ability to work independently (including problem solving and work organization), to acquire new skills, and will show excellent communication skills and ability to integrate in a diverse group including behavioural, molecular, and clinical neuroscientists. In their role, the successful candidate will collaborate in the preparation of scientific reports, formulation and refining of working hypotheses and contribute ideas for new research projects.

This post is full time (35 hours per week), available immediately and is fixed term until 30th April 2024.

Salary: £35,333 – £42,155 per annum (Grade 6)
Date advert posted: Wednesday, 21 September 2022

Closing Date: Wednesday, 19 October 2022

Please be aware that Cardiff University reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age.  In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

Job Description

Main function
To conduct research in cellular, molecular, and behavioural neuroscience with the aim to identify the neurobiological impact of gene variants associated with psychiatric risk; to contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of work in high-quality journals. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same. 

Main Duties and Responsibilities 

Research 

•    To perform neurophysiological, molecular, and behavioural investigations in Cacna1c genetic rodent models.
•    To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
•    To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field.
•    To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required.
•    To contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including peer-reviewed publications, conference communications, bidding for funding, and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students.
•    To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals.
•    To participate in School research activities.
•    To prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate.
•    To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions, explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects.

Other
•    To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally to raise awareness of the School’s profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile.
•    To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
•    To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world.
•    Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Education
1.    Postgraduate degree at PhD level in Neurosciences, or relevant industrial experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience
2.    An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience in neurophysiology, molecular biology, behavioural neuroscience.
3.   Ability to set and meet research objectives without close supervision and to acquire new transferable skills (patch clamp electrophysiology, animal surgery, two-photon imaging, signal processing)
4.    Knowledge of current status of research in specialist fields, as defined in (2) above.
5.    Proven ability to publish in national and international journals and to communicate at relevant conferences.
6.    Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies.

Communication and Team Working
7.    Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication.
8.    Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals.

Other
9.    Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation, and independence in work.

Desirable Criteria

10.    Experience in data analysis, signal processing and computer programming (e.g., Python, Matlab, and statistics software – R, SPSS); familiarity with GNU/Linux operating systems.
11.    Evidence of collaborations with industry.
12.    Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community.
13.    Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the School. 

Additional Information

IMPORTANT: Evidencing Criteria

It is School of Medicine’s policy to use the person specification as a key tool for short-listing. Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria as well as, where relevant, the desirable. As part of the application process you will be asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement.

Please ensure when submitting this document / attaching it to your application profile you name it with the vacancy reference number, in this instance for this post, 14988BR

If candidates do not provide written evidence of meeting all of the essential criteria then their application will not be progressed. The School of Medicine welcome the submission of CVs to accompany evidence of the job-based criteria.

Job Category

Academic – Research, Health, Medical & Dental