Research Assistant

Overview

Research and Innovation Research Assistant position in Neuroinflammation/Complement Biology at the UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) Cardiff University, School of Medicine, on the Heath Park campus.

The appointee will join a new research programme supported by a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship awarded to Dr. Wioleta Zelek, exploring the role of neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. The work focuses on the complement system as a driver of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, and on developing and testing brain-penetrant complement-blocking drugs in vitro and in vivo for brain access, inhibition of the complement system, and impact on disease pathology and progression.

The ultimate aim is to develop brain-penetrant therapeutic strategies to modulate complement dysregulation in AD suitable for human trials.

This post is full time (35 hours per week), fixed term, available from 1 September 2026 for 2.5 years.

Division:

UK DRI Cardiff:

Cardiff University offers many benefits, including 45 days annual leave (including bank holidays), local pension scheme, a cycle-to-work scheme, annual increments within the pay scale, and more. The university is a Living Wage employer and an exciting, vibrant place to work.

The successful candidate will contribute to a new research programme and work on immunology and neuroimmunology approaches, plus dementia models and drug testing or equivalent experience.

• Candidates with experience in immunology, neuroimmunology and/or dementia models and drugs testing or equivalent experience are encouraged to apply.
• Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Wioleta Zelek ().

Salary: £33,951 – £36,636 per annum (Grade
5). appointments at Cardiff University are usually made at bottom of scale unless in exceptional circumstances.

This post is full-time (35 hours per week), fixed term for 2.5 years, available from 1 September 2026.

Closing date:
Monday, 15 June 2026.

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We 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. We will consider flexible working or job-share arrangements to support work-life balance.

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and a Welsh submission will not be treated less favourably than an English submission.

Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA). We evaluate applicants on the quality of their research rather than publication metrics or journal identity. More information:
Responsible research assessment – Research – Cardiff University.

Annog ymgeiswyr sydd â phrofiad o weithio ym meysydd imiwnoleg ac niwroimiwnoleg a/neu fodelu dementia a phrofi cyffuriau neu brofiad cyfatebol i wneud cais. Am sgwrs anffurfiol, cysylltwch â Dr Wioleta Zelek ().

Is-adran:

Sefydliad Ymchwil Dementia y DU, Caerdydd:

Mae hon yn swydd amser llawn (35 awr yr wythnos), am gyfnod penodol o 2.5 mlynedd, ac mae ar gael o 1 Medi 2026. Cyflog: £33,951 hyd at £36,636 y flwyddyn (Gradd
5).

Mae Prifysgol Caerdydd yn cynnig pecyn buddion gwych, sy’n cynnwys 45 diwrnod o wyliau blynyddol (gan gynnwys gwyliau banc), cynllun pensiwn lleol, cynllun beicio i'r gwaith, mynychu llwy  teithio, cynyddrannau blynyddol ar hyd y raddfa gyflog, a mwy. Dyma le cyffrous a bywiog i weithio, lle mae heriau gwahanol. Rydym hefyd yn falch o gefnogi’r Cyflog Byw.

Dyddiad cau:
Dydd Llun, 15 Mehefin 2026.

Cardiff University is committed to equality and diversity and to an inclusive working environment. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and will consider flexible working or job-share arrangements.