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Vacancy: Centre Director, UK DRI at Cardiff
The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI), principally funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC), and Cardiff University are seeking to appoint an outstanding established academic to a new Chair in Neuroscience and to leadership of the UK DRI Centre at Cardiff within the School of Medicine. The internationally recognised scientist can work in any area relevant to the Institute's overarching mission, including the biology of behavioural and psychiatric features of dementia.
Closing date: 20 March 2025
Full information
Vacancies
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Key details
- Location: UK DRI at Cardiff, Cardiff
- Salary: UKRI level minimum stipend of £20,780 per year for your living costs
About the Project
An individual's risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is partially determined by changes in their genes. Small changes in specific genes increase the risk of developing AD. Genetic analysis of large cohorts of individuals have reported an association with variants in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes and AD. An individual’s HLA genotype determines how the immune response recognises and responds to different antigens in different individuals and variants in HLA have been reported as major risk factors for complex diseases. Within the brain, HLA genes are predominantly expressed on the surface of microglia and present peptides to T-cells. Due to the highly polymorphic nature of HLA genes, the strong linkage disequilibrium and the population-specific genetic diversity determining the exact genetic variants responsible for influencing disease risk is complex, and how an individual’s HLA makeup drives AD aetiology remains to be explored.
This studentship will use a range of bioinformatic and wet lab approaches and be based in the lab of Dr Sarah Carpanini (iPSC) and co-supervised by Dr Rebecca Sims (bioinformatician). The student will use induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models of microglia with different HLA genetics to explore whether variants in HLA alter microglial antigen presentation in AD.
This will improve our understanding of how the HLA genes influence risk for AD, which HLA genes are most important in AD, and how these HLA genes affect microglia function. Understanding the genes influencing AD allows us to identify those at risk and assist in developing new drug treatments.
The student will gain expertise in neurodegenerative disease modelling, molecular biology and genetics and be based in the UK Dementia Research Institute (DRI) at Cardiff University.
Entry Requirements
You will hold or expect to achieve a First or Upper Second Class degree in biomedical science, biochemistry, cell biology or a related subject. As this is a training doctorate, previous research experience is not essential.
Applicants whose first language is not English are normally expected to meet the minimum University requirements (e.g. 6.5 IELTS).
Training
Researchers at the UK DRI at Cardiff have access to a wide range of resources to help them achieve their research ambitions. Specialist training for early career researchers provides access to a wide range of hands-on workshops, online modules and one-to-one coaching.
The Cardiff Researcher Programme covers over 100 training topic areas, which will equip researchers with the knowledge and skills needed to run successful projects. Staff can also benefit from a leadership and management programme.
Staff networks
The UK DRI at Cardiff has several active staff networks, including an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion network, and an Early Career Researcher (ECR) network.
More widely within the university, there are a range of different networks for staff, including a Black, Asian and Minority Staff Network, Disability Staff Network, EMPOWER: Femail PI Network, Enfys (LGBT+ Network for staff), International Staff Network, Neurodiversity and Inclusivity Network. Visit the Cardiff University website for more information on the support available for researchers and staff.