"Research Associate in C9orf72 ALS Metabolic Dysfunction"

We are looking for an enthusiastic and committed neuroscience PhD level researcher with previous experience in modelling astrocyte metabolism and hypoxia in iNPC/iPSC cell neurodegenerative disease models. You will join the laboratories of Scott Allen and Ryan West who are working together using in vitro cell models and in vivo Drosophila Melanogaster models to understand how the C9orf72 repeat expansion effects metabolic function and the response to hypoxia in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, more commonly known as motor neurone disease.

The 3 year, full time project is based at the Sheffield institute for translational neuroscience (SITraN), an award winning centre of excellence for the study of neurodegenerative diseases and drug-discovery. Funded by the MND Association, the successful applicant will use cutting edge metabolic and hypoxic approaches both in vitro and in vivo to explore how the C9orf72 repeat expansion alters metabolism in normoxia and hypoxia using a combination of C9orf72 patient-derived iNPC models and Drosophila models. Mechanistic understanding will drive small molecule/genetic manipulation to correct the alterations and assess the downstream effect on ALS pathogenic pathways in vitro and in vivo.

We build teams of people from different heritages and lifestyles from across the world, whose talent and contributions complement each other to greatest effect. We believe diversity in all its forms delivers greater impact through research, teaching and student experience.

With that in mind, we are looking for highly driven, independent researcher, who works well as part of a growing team in Dr Allen’s and Dr West’s laboratories. The candidate will have the chance to present their data at international conferences including the MND Association and ENCALS, as well conferences in Sheffield. Inline with the Researcher Concordat, the successful candidate will be supported to develop their skill set in terms of outreach work, staff/student supervision, teaching and grant writing.

All candidates are encouraged to contact Scott Allen for an informal chat prior to applying.