Job description

The Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute (Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience) is a globally leading multidisciplinary research institute investigating the spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders causing dementia and ALS, with laboratory-based research groups located at Denmark Hill Campus, the King’s College London.  

Researchers at the King’s use innovative approaches to explore the biological mechanisms involved in neurodegenerative diseases. The goal is to defeat dementia by uncovering vital new knowledge that will lead to the design of smarter diagnostics and effective treatments.  

We are seeking to appoint a neuroscientist to the synaptic plasticity and drug discovery group of Professor Cho in the Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience. The primary research interest of the group involves understanding the pathophysiology and pathology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and various types of neurodegenerative diseases and discovery of drug targets.

A central component of neurodegeneration is the weakening of synaptic connections and ultimately their elimination, which is thought to correlate with disease severity. Synapses have a critical role of functional and structural plasticity in neurons, which underlies cellular/molecular mechanism of learning and memory. Therefore, synapse weakening is therefore fundamental in AD pathogenesis. Evidence suggests that hyperphosphorylation of tau (pTau), aggregation of amyloid-beta and/or other pathogens (RNA-binding proteins) lead to the functional and structural dysfunction of synapse; more specifically dysfunction occurs through the aberrant activation of the synapse weakening mechanism, a reduction of the local translation of excitatory postsynaptic proteins and altered protein dynamics.

The focus of this project is to explore a key question: which factors modulate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of ‘synapse weakening’ during dementia-associated pathology. Specifically, we will explore whether there is the consequence of spatiotemporal dysregulation of synapse structure and function by pTau and play a key role of pathophysiology during disease progression in AD.

The role will involve multi-photon confocal imaging, brain slice culture and optogenetics. Specifically, multi-photon confocal imaging and advanced image data process skill are essential. 

This post will be initially offered on a fixed-term contract for three years with the possibility of a potential extension beyond this. 

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

Key responsibilities

• Investigate research questions and develop specific research projects under guidance from the Group Leader  
• Demonstrate the importance of your research in the form of intellectual property, novel techniques or findings that make a significant contribution to the field
• Publish at least one first or senior author publication in a high impact factor journal 
• Disseminate research findings and promote your scientific profile at national/international conferences 
• Contribute to the training and supervision of junior staff (including project students)

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

1. PhD in relevant area of Neuroscience or Neurobiology or Biophysics 
2. Excellent technical skills in multi-photon confocal imaging in brain slice and/or super-resolution imaging in primary cultured neuron. 
3. Experience in imaging data process and write/create MATLAB code for various data analysis 
4. Skill and experience in immunocytochemistry. 
5. Design and deliver sub-cloning for the various plasmid. 
6. Quantitative and statistical analysis 
7. Organisational skills and ability to deliver to stringent performance criteria  
8. Good oral and written communication skills 
9. Take a lead role in the project 
10. Ability to work independently, but also as part of a research team and with collaborators 

Desirable criteria  

1.       Organotypic brain slice culture 

2.       Preparation of high-quality iPSC line and maintenance 

3.       Willingness to supervise junior members of the group 

Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.