Applications are invited for a 24-month postdoctoral research associate position within the Williams-Gray lab (with potential for extension subject to funding). The lab works at the interface of clinical and laboratory science, aiming to better understand the clinical heterogeneity of Parkinson's disease and its underlying biological basis, with a view to developing more targeted and personalized therapies.
The successful candidate will contribute to an expanding programme of research investigating how gut function and immune activation interact to drive the progression of Parkinson's disease. The role will focus particularly on the role of ghrelin in these mechanisms. The post holder will play an integral role in a establishing an interventional study to investigate whether ginger extract increases ghrelin levels in the blood and whether this is associated with gut function and inflammation, as well as clinical measures of motor and cognitive function. In addition, they will have the opportunity to contribute to related projects running within the lab, including biomarker studies and clinical trials.
We seek applicants with a PhD in clinical neuroscience/biological sciences or an equivalent level of clinical research experience, and specialist knowledge in the field of the gut-brain axis.. The post holder will work within a close clinical and scientific team of research assistants, PhD students, post-doctoral researchers and clinicians. They will be expected to work in a team environment and to support and contribute to other related collaborative projects.
For questions relating to the post, please contact Dr Marta Camacho (msc72@cam.ac.uk) or Dr Caroline Williams-Gray (chm27@cam.ac.uk)
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a standard Disclosure and Barring Service check. This appointment also requires a Research Passport application.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Applicants must have (or be close to obtaining) a PhD.
Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5, Point 38 £34,132) moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of your PhD award.
Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.
Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.
Closing date: 6th April 2025
Interview date: To be confirmed
Please quote reference ZE45378 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.