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SalaryAbout The University
Swansea University is a research-led university that has been making a difference since 1920. The University community thrives on exploration and discovery and offers the right balance of excellent teaching and research, matched by an enviable quality of life.
Our stunning waterfront campuses and multicultural community make us a desirable workplace for colleagues from around the world. Our reward and benefits, and ways of working enable those who join us to have enriching careers, matched by an excellent work-life balance.
About The Role
This is a Fixed Term role for 12 months, working 35 hours per week.
The Research Assistant will study the neurobiology of Parkinson’s dementia - as part of a project designed to develop a new small molecule therapy. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease, effecting 10 million people worldwide. A therapy that slows dementia progression in PD would have unprecedented impact on the health and social care sectors.
The primary aim of this project is to develop a drug that prevents harmful brain inflammation and supports brain plasticity to treat PD dementia. This research builds on Dr Davies’ lab findings at Swansea University Medical School (SUMS) that uses in silico tools, in collaboration with Dr Mullins (SUMS), to identify novel small-molecule compounds that modulate ghrelin function. The scholar will determine whether enzyme targeting small molecules modify ghrelin signalling both in neuronal cell culture systems and human cells relevant to PD dementia.
This project, supported by MRC Development Pathway Gap Funding and in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Research UK Drug Discovery Institute (ARUK DDI) at University College London (UCL), will accelerate the development of new compounds. The RA will join Dr Davies’ lab, working as part of a multi-disciplinary team encompassing nerve cell function (Dr Davies), in silico drug design (Dr Mullins) and medicinal chemistry expertise (Prof Ducotterd, ARUK DDI, UCL), to develop new treatments for PD dementia where there is significant un-met need.
This short-term position would suit an experienced and enthusiastic researcher with a PhD in Neuroscience/Neurochemistry/Biochemistry or related field, or a recent graduate considering applying for a subsequent doctoral degree. Candidates with a background in neurobiology, molecular biology, biochemistry or related field are encouraged to apply.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
The University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity in all its practices and activities. We aim to establish an inclusive environment and welcome diverse applications from the following protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic and national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation.
We have an under-representation of men in the area of research and would particularly welcome applications from men for this position. We also have an under representation of individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds and would encourage applications from these groups. Appointments will always be made on merit.
