Research Associate: Alzheimer’s and Cerebrovascular Function

Imperial seeks a Research Associate to test whether TSPO targeting improves cerebrovascular function and brain activity in early Alzheimer’s disease.

We are looking for a curious and highly motivated postdoctoral Research Associate to join a collaborative team to take a central role in a project investigating how TSPO – a mitochondrial protein – protects against vascular dysfunction in early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. This British Heart Foundation-funded project sits at the intersection of cardiovascular and dementia research. You will be jointly mentored by Professor David Owen and Dr Samuel Barnes (Group Leader, UK Dementia Research Institute), with both supervisors actively committed to your scientific development and career progression. With membership of the UK DRI, you will also benefit from connection to a national network of multi-disciplinary researchers.

What you would be doing

Based on promising findings in rodent models, we are running a clinical study to test whether a TSPO ligand improves cerebrovascular function in patients with early Alzheimer’s disease, and whether this in turn reduces network hyperexcitability. The role will involve collection of data in study participants using MRI and EEG approaches. A background in cellular biology and data analysis is essential, and a background in neuroscience or vascular are desirable.

What we are looking for

You will hold, or be near completion of, a PhD in neuroscience, psychology, biomedical engineering, physics, cellular biology or a related field, and demonstrate:

• Experience acquiring human neurophysiological or neuroimaging data — EEG, MRI, or both.
• Experience working directly with research participants
• Proficiency in coding, for example in MATLAB, and in handling large-scale neural datasets.
• A developing publication record, with at least one first-author manuscript published or in late-stage revision.
• Knowledge of vascular biology
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team.

What we can offer you

This role is part of the UK DRI at Imperial, and is based in the Department of Brain Sciences. Postdocs enjoy excellent career opportunities via the UK DRI Early Career Postdoctoral Network and Imperial’s Early Career Research Institute. The Barnes and Owen labs have a strong track record of supporting Research Associates to secure competitive funding, including independent fellowships.

In addition, researchers have access to:

• State-of-the-art equipment infrastructure
• Networking and international travel opportunities
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
• As a member of research staff you have 10 development days to use to develop your skills and explore your career prospects
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 43 days off a year and generous pension schemes).

Further information

This is a Full time, fixed term role based at our Hammersmith Campus.

Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Prof David Owen d.owen@imperial.ac.uk to discuss the role.