Research Associates (x3)

For full details and to apply, visit the Cardiff's website

Location

Deadline

May 29, 2026
  • About us:
    The Baljit Khakh Laboratory is relocating from the University of California Los Angeles to the UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) at Cardiff and is seeking to appoint a number of Research Associates to join a newly established and ambitious research programme investigating the roles of astrocytes in brain function and dementia.
    Professor Baljit S. Khakh, internationally recognized for discoveries in astrocyte physiology and neuron–glia signalling, is launching his new research programme at UK DRI Cardiff University in summer 2026. The lab will integrate molecular genetics, advanced imaging, electrophysiology, and translational neuroscience to explore fundamental neuroscience mechanisms and uncover how astrocyte dysfunction contributes to the onset and progression of dementia.
    This is a new opportunity to join a leading neuroscience lab at one of the UK’s most vibrant and collaborative research hubs. The group will explore how astrocytes shape neural circuit activity, cognition, and neurodegeneration — with the goal of identifying new mechanisms and therapeutic strategies for dementia and related disorders. The laboratory will be housed in state-of-the-art research facilities within the Hadyn Ellis Building.
    What you would be doing
    To conduct research within the laboratory, integrating molecular genetics, advanced imaging, electrophysiology, and translational neuroscience to uncover how astrocyte dysfunction contributes to the onset and progression of dementia and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same. The posts are full time, require in person attendance and involve extensive experimental work and data analysis.
    Duties and Responsibilities
    To conduct research with expertise in one or more of the following: in vivo imaging, brain slice electrophysiology, behavioural analyses, molecular genetics, viral vector design, molecular biology, proteomics or bioinformatics.
  • Contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students.
  • To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals
  • To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required
  • To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting
  • To prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate
  • To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field
  • To participate in School research activities.
  • To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions, explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects
  • To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally to raise awareness of the School’s profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile.
  • To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.

  • To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world

    What we are looking for
    Qualifications and Education
    1. Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in a related subject area or relevant industrial experience

    Knowledge, Skills and Experience
    2. An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within one or more of the following research fields:
    1. Molecular biology
    2. RNAseq and data analyses
    3. Proteomics and data analyses
    4. Electrophysiology in any cellular setting in vivo or in brain slices
    5. Calcium imaging in any cellular setting in vivo or in brain slices
    6. Glial biology in cell culture or in vivo
    7. In vivo approaches
    8. Cell culture experience, ideally with stem cell-derived astrocytes
    9. Understanding of cellular and molecular neuroscience
    3. Knowledge of current status of research in specialist field of neuroscience and glial biology
    4. Proven ability to publish in national journals and/or present data at national conferences
    5. Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies
    Communication and Team Working
    6. Proven ability in effective and transparent communication
    7. Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals
    Other
    8. Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work
    9. Proven ability to work without close supervision

    For informal enquiries please contact Prof Baljit Khakh on KhakhB@cardiff.ac.uk

Key details

  • Location UK DRI at Cardiff
  • Salary: £41,064 - £46,049 per annum (Grade 6)
  • Lab: Prof Bal Khakh