Postdoctoral Research Scientist Neuronal Cell and Molecular Biologist

Applications are invited for a Post-Doctoral Neuronal Cell and Molecular Biologist to work on a new project to develop a novel gene therapy for Parkinson’s in patient stem cell-derived neurons and in transgenic rodent models. The project in collaboration with Kaleibe Therapeutics represents an exciting opportunity to undertake translational work into biological therapeutics at the interface between academic and industrial research in an exceptional setting. This work will develop novel gene therapies for Parkinson’s by expression of complete genomic DNA transgenes from HSV1 viral vectors to correct cellular phenotypes in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived dopamine neurons generated from Parkinson’s patients and in transgenic rodent models. 

Duties will include the design, generation and delivery of HSV1 gene expression vectors to in vitro and in vivo models of Parkinson’s to study phenotypic correction; undertaking laboratory experiments; interpretation of data; imaging analysis; maintenance and differentiation of iPSC-derived neurons and cell lines; stereotactic surgery in transgenic rodents; preparation of data for publication; contribute to wider project planning and determine the most appropriate methodologies to test hypotheses. You will have excellent practical experience of neuronal cell cultures and DNA gene expression plasmid vectors, and a good knowledge of cellular models of neurodegenerative disease. The ability to innovate, trouble-shoot technical problems, be meticulous in practical work and in record keeping is essential.