Job description

We are inviting researchers to join an exciting project aiming to characterise synaptic degeneration in TDP-43 linked neurodegenerative diseases. The successful candidate will assist with histological studies of mice using conventional immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy and array tomography. Ideally you will have experience of processing brain tissues from the actual harvesting of brains to their fixation, tissue embedding, ultramicrotome sectioning and staining. Experience with a diamond knife is especially important.

You will be expected to acquire images and perform image analysis and therefore should be adept at using a variety of microscopic techniques. While the work will be supervised it is expected that you will develop confidence to work independently and contribute with ideas of your own to the overall ambition of the lab, which is to cure ALS!

You will also have an opportunity to help with other projects in the lab and therefore expand your skill set. This includes work with human stem cell-derived neurons and microglia, CRISPR mutagenesis, molecular cloning and biochemical techniques including immunoblotting. Skills in these areas are not essential pre-requisites but you will be expected to show a keen interest in contributing to ongoing projects involving these techniques.

You will be closely supervised by postdoctoral researchers in the lab as well as Dr Sreedharan.

This is a 12-month position, but the candidate will be expected to assist with ongoing applications we are making for grant funding opportunities to extend their time in the lab.

This post will be offered on a fixed-term contract for 12 months

This is a full-time post - 100% full time equivalent

Key responsibilities

• Processing brain tissues for conventional immunohistochemistry  

• Semithin/ultrathin sectioning of tissues for array tomography and electron microscopy 

• Image processing and analysis from the above 

• Assisting postdoctoral scientists in the lab with their studies where required (includes cell culture, molecular biological studies).  

• Assisting with preparation of figures for papers 

• Assisting with writing of papers and grant applications  

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.  

Skills, knowledge, and experience 

Essential criteria 

• A Degree in Neuroscience 

• Immunohistochemical experience 

• Semithin and ultrathin microtome expertise 

• Microscopy (light and fluorescence) 

• Microscope image analysis 

• Good communicator both verbally and written in English 

• Good team player and happy to assist co-workers in the lab 

• Able to work independently where needed 

Desirable criteria 

• Keen to learn other techniques in particular stem-cell derived neuronal and glial culture, CRISPR, cloning, confocal microscopy 

• Knowledge of neurodegenerative diseases 

• Publications as a contributing author 

Further information

This post is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service and Occupational Health clearance. 

TDP-43, histology, ALS