Research Assistant: Systems Neuroscience
2 months ago
We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.
The Role
This position offers an exciting opportunity for a Research Assistant to join our team working on a project, jointly funded by LifeArc, the Motor Neurone Disease Association and the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, to identify novel disease modifying therapies for MND/ALS. To achieve this, several compounds, shown in vitro to block the pathological effects of mislocalised/aggregated TDP-43, will be tested in a novel macaque model of MND/ALS developed recently in our lab. The Research Assistant will be responsible for: the day-to-day care and training of the animals; molecular assays of tissue (blood, CSF, etc,) obtained in vivo; histology, genomic and proteomic analysis of post mortem tissue; and the curation and analysis of the large datasets generated.
The project:
There is increasing evidence that disease progression in MND is determined by the spread of abnormal cellular proteins (including TDP-43), via 'prion-like' protein-protein interaction, from an initial focus of disease (e.g. arm or leg) to other interconnected regions, and that the same abnormal protein (TDP-43) triggers changes within motor neurons that cause them to die. To complement fundamental research in rodent models and replicate the pathogenesis of MND in humans as closely as possible, we have developed a macaque model of MND. This model captures both focal 'lower motor neuron' degeneration and 'prion-like' spread of TDP-43 to 'upper motor neurons' and contiguous areas within spinal cord, as seen in the human disease. The main objective of this project is to test compounds, in our macaque model of MND, that have been shown in vitro either to block the downstream toxic effects of abnormal protein or the abnormal protein-protein interactions mediating disease spread. The primary outcome measure will be the post mortem findings in animals that have received test compounds vs placebo; however, there are several secondary outcomes of interest.
Key deliverables of the project will be:
- Data that will inform the design of trials in MND patients; and
- Further validation of the macaque model for pre-clinical testing and screening of potential disease modifying therapies for patients with MND.
This post is offered on a fixed-term basis until 30th June 2026.
For informal enquiries contact: Mark Baker - or Stuart Baker -
As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of research role profiles. These profiles set out firstly the generic competences and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and secondly the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.
£31,396 to £32,982 per annum.
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