"Research Fellow in Mitochondrial Medicine"

About us

The Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences is a world-leading group that brings together expertise across the clinical and basic science spectrum of the physiology and pathology of rare and acquired neurodegenerative disorders.

Located within the Department is the research group led by Professors Spinazzola and Holt, two leaders in the field of mitochondrial medicine. Early in their careers, they identified the first pathological mutations in human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) as well as the first nuclear gene associated with mtDNA instability and disease. Since then, the group has leveraged their knowledge of the fundamental molecular basis of mitochondrial disorders to identify potential therapies for these currently incurable diseases, which now they are testing in in vitro and in vivo models of human mtDNA disorders.

About the role

We are now recruiting a Research Fellow to join Professors Spinazzola and Holt’s research group to investigate the mechanism of action of compounds that could serve as treatments for mitochondrial diseases.

Specifically, the fellows will investigate compounds that purge cells of deleterious mtDNA molecules (PMID: 34873176; 35478201; 38402076).

The project’s main goals are to:

• Determine the effects of small molecules on the cell types and tissues most affected in mitochondrial DNA disorders, with particular emphasis on neurons and cardiomyocytes.
• Define the metabolic configuration that favours the selection of the functional mtDNAs.
• Characterise the key molecular features and series of events that lead from mitochondrial dysfunction to organ pathology and disease.

You will join a dedicated team of scientists and as a key member of the research team, you will employ targeted and omic approaches to investigate patient-derived materials (stem cell derived models) and transgenic mice of mitochondrial DNA disorders. The new knowledge will advance the projects towards translational medicine studies in human subjects affected by a range of mtDNA disorders.

The role is available immediately and is funded by grants awarded to Professors Spinazzola and Holt until 30 April 2027 in the first instance.

In addition to completing the online application, candidates should attach:

• A full CV;
• A 1-page research statement describing how the candidate matches the criteria for the post and why the candidate’s is applying for this role;
• Names and contact information of three reference people.

About you

You will hold a PhD or MD with a background in Neuroscience, Developmental Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field. Expertise in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology and stem cell-derived models is required.

What we offer

Appointment as Research Fellow is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be as Research Assistant (salary £39,148 - £41,833 per annum) with appointment as Research Fellow being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.

Customer advert reference: B02-08934