Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration

University of Oxford

Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics

Postdoctoral Research Assistant

Fixed term post on grade 7: £ 29,541 to £ 31,331 (first three points on the scale, depending on experience)

“Mechanisms underlying the tau protein-mediated effects of amyloid beta on synaptic plasticity”

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant to join the Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, a multidisciplinary laboratory focused on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases.

Amyloid beta (Abeta) and microtubule associated protein tau (MAPT or tau) are both implicated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but whether and how they interact is unknown. This highly collaborative multi-disciplinary project will build on our recent findings (Shipton et al 2011 Journal of Neuroscience) and investigate the molecular mechanisms by which tau and Abeta together affect the electrophysiological properties of neurons. We will work in human glutamatergic cortical projection neurons differentiated from wild-type or genetically-modified induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and use electrophysiological recordings to understand the interaction between Abeta and tau. Our work will have important implications for our understanding of how Abeta peptide and tau protein interact at the very earliest stages of synaptic dysfunction.

The project will be undertaken by Dr Richard Wade-Martins’ Molecular Neurodegeneration Laboratory in collaboration with Dr Mariana Vargas-Caballero (University of Southampton) and Dr Colin Akerman (University of Oxford). Together, our laboratories integrate studies of molecular genetics, neurophysiology, and cell biology to study common molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration.

Applicants must have a PhD/DPhil or equivalent in a relevant area of research and experience in cellular and molecular neuroscience. The appointment is funded by the Alzheimer’s Society for 36 months.

You will be based in the Dept of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics, LGC Building, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QX.

The closing date for applications is noon on Friday 28 June 2013.

Interviews will be held on Wednesday 10 July 2013.