Research Associate in Modelling Friedreich's Ataxia Using iPSC-derived Neurons

We have an exciting opportunity in the Division of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Population Health, for an enthusiastic and ambitious Postdoctoral Research Associate to use their research expertise in human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) and neuronal models to make an impact on our understanding of Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) and the development of potential therapeutic approaches.

You will join the laboratories of Dr Matt Livesey, Prof Dame Pam Shaw and Profs Hautbergue, Mead and Mortiboys at the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), working alongside a multidisciplinary team of researchers, postdoctoral scientists and technical colleagues. SITraN is an internationally recognised centre of excellence for research into neurodegenerative diseases and therapeutic development.

You will work in a well-connected research environment with expertise spanning neurodegenerative disease, iPSC models, neuronal biology, electrophysiology, molecular biology and therapeutic development. You will play a key role in a collaborative programme investigating the cellular mechanisms underlying FA and the effects of novel therapeutic compounds.

You will take responsibility for planning and delivering experimental studies using human iPSC-derived neuronal models, analysing and interpreting data, and contributing to the development and optimisation of research methodologies. You will have the opportunity to apply a range of complementary approaches, including iPSC culture and differentiation, immunocytochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology, molecular biology and RNA sequencing.

This varied and dynamic role will provide you with the opportunity to develop your research profile while making an important contribution to a translational neuroscience programme. You will contribute to experimental design, troubleshooting, data analysis and interpretation, scientific presentations, publications and future funding applications. You will also provide guidance and practical support to students and less experienced researchers.

Educated to PhD level in Neuroscience, Biological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences or a related subject, you will have demonstrable experience of laboratory-based research and the ability to plan and deliver research independently within a collaborative environment. Experience of human iPSC models, neuronal differentiation and/or relevant experimental techniques described above would be a significant advantage.