Research Associate: Epigenetic regulation in neurodegenerative diseases

King’s College London seeks a Research Associate to study epigenetics in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s using single cell genomics and brain tissue.

The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) is the biggest UK initiative supporting research to fill the major knowledge gap in our basic understanding of the diseases that cause dementia.

We are a globally leading multidisciplinary research institute of 700 staff investigating the spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders causing dementia, driving a change in our understanding of neurodegeneration and accelerating the discovery, development and delivery of interventions that will help diagnose, treat and ultimately prevent dementia.  Our laboratory-based research groups are located at King’s College London, University College London, the University of Cambridge, Cardiff University, Edinburgh University, and Imperial College London.

Dementia is a major health challenge of our century – currently affecting fifty million people worldwide, projected to triple by 2050, with huge financial, emotional and social impact on people directly affected, their carers, families and the community.

Dementia is a symptom of several neurodegenerative disorders, with Alzheimer’s disease accounting for about 60% of cases. To date, there is no way to prevent or even slow the rate of progression of neurodegeneration.

About the role:

Dr Sarah Marzi is seeking to appoint a Research Associate. Her research programme aims to determine the role of epigenetic regulation in neurodegenerative diseases, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, using state of the art epigenetic and genomic techniques in cell populations and at the single cell level. We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to work on epigenetic and transcriptional profiling of toxicant exposures and Parkinson’s in cell and animal models as well as postmortem human brain tissue.

The successful candidate should have laboratory experience in epigenetics techniques, particularly chromatin profiling. Prior experience in single cell genomics approaches is essential. You will be a dynamic, creative, and motivated scientist interested in pursuing questions deeply. With strong molecular biology experience of genomic/epigenomic approaches, you will use a range of methods for cell and brain tissue analyses including next generation RNA sequencing, ChIP sequencing and CUT&Tag (or equivalent) and ATAC sequencing methods, and particularly 10X single cell multiome profiling.

The Marzi Lab is highly collaborative. You will join a multidisciplinary team on the Denmark Hill Campus with a leading role in:

• Designing and performing experiments
• Developing technical advances
• Performing data analysis
• Presenting the results
• Writing up manuscripts to be submitted to peer-review journals

This is a full -time post (35 hours per week) and you will be offered a fixed term contract until 31/03/2028 with scope of to extend the role till 31/05/2029 based on future funding.

Research staff at King’s are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development. This entitlement, from the  Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7. Visit the  Centre for Research Staff Development for more information.