Research Associate (Fixed Term)

The Department of Clinical Neurosciences is comprised of 5 Divisions; John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Stem Cell Neurobiology and Wolfson Brain Imaging Centre.

The purpose of this role is to support and maintain the University’s national and international reputation for excellence in teaching and research. Contribution to excellence in research will be as a member of a research team carrying out research at a similar level to that undertaken by lecturing staff and will provide substantial scope for academic judgement, originality, interpretation and presentation of results. Contribution to teaching will include assistance in the presentation of seminars and may include participation in the research group’s teaching programme. The role holder will participate in the overall contribution of the department/faculty, as appropriate.

The project will focus on developing small molecule inhibitors to block the synthesis of regeneration blockers after spinal cord injury. The strategy will be useful in enhancing plasticity and regeneration within the rodent spinal cord. Skills and knowledge in synthetic organic chemistry is essential and knowledge in biochemistry is desirable. The work is in strong collaboration with Dr Jessica Kwok and Dr Richard Foster at the University of Leeds, and a large part of the work will be carried out in their laboratories. There will also be interactions with Professor Robert Glen, Dept. Chemistry, Cambridge (molecular modelling) and Professor Radu Aricescu, University of Oxford (enzyme structure). The target enzyme is a sulfotransferase responsible for the sulphation of inhibitory chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans.

The scientific background is described in:

Kwok, J. C., et al. (2012). “Chondroitin sulfate: A key molecule in the brain matrix.” Int. J. Biochem. Cell Biol 44: 582-586.Smith, P. D., et al. (2015). “”GAG-ing with the neuron”: The role of glycosaminoglycan patterning in the central nervous system.” Exp. Neurol. 274:100-14

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 1 year in the first instance.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please visit:

www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/9526. This will take you to the role on the University’s Job Opportunities pages. There you will need to click on the ‘Apply online’ button and register an account with the University’s Web Recruitment System (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.

All applications to be received by 26 February 2016.

Interview Date: To be confirmed however only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Please quote reference XB08370 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.