Research Fellow (Neurodegeneration) - (7475)

Fellowship Opportunity: Neurodegeneration with focus on risk factors and diagnostic/progression biomarkers. 

Neurodegeneration at Manchester Metropolitan: 

Neurodegenerative diseases, affecting central or peripheral nervous systems, are a significant burden on our ageing society due to their negative impacts on quality of life. Challenges in alleviating this burden lies in identifying risk factors and in obtaining sensitive diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Mitigating risk coupled with earlier diagnosis will enable people to receive treatment prior to major loss of physical or cognitive ability. Biomarkers that sensitively track disease progression will enable faster and cheaper clinical trials that will mean treatments can be found sooner.

Significant advances in understanding pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases are supporting identification of therapeutic targets that are attracting major interest from industry. The ability to support translation of these interventions to successful clinical application will be enhanced by concomitant advance in understanding risk and biomarker development. Such work requires collaborative efforts between scientists, clinicians and people living with neurodegenerative conditions.

The Neurodegeneration Theme at Manchester Metropolitan is well placed to support delivery of these ambitions. We have a growing record of research studying both peripheral and central neurodegeneration, in the context of both ageing and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease, MND and Parkinson's Disease. Our city and local region have a large and culturally diverse population. Their healthcare is delivered through major NHS Trusts, such as the Northern Care Alliance, with whom we have established collaborative relationships. We also have extensive research facilities spanning electrophysiology, biomedical imaging in the form of 3-T MRI and extensive microscopy suites, coupled with stemcell and tissue culture suites and a range of facilities for genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics and proteomics, all of which are supported by specialist technical teams. 

About the role: 

• To undertake world-leading and internationally excellent research using latest and innovative methodologies, as relevant in your area of research. 

• To prepare, present and publish research outputs through the appropriate forums e.g. research workshops, conferences, seminars, exhibitions, portfolios, academic journals etc. 

• To develop ideas for generating income to ensure the continued success and growth of research portfolio.  

• To disseminate findings of research widely to further the institution's standing in the HE and research community and strengthen the impact of the research.

• To engage in scholarly activities conducive to a long-term successful academic career that will support and enhance the research culture within the Department/ School, Faculty and University.

About the candidate: 

You will be an ambitious and emerging researcher, able to demonstrate the potential to launch an independent programme of high impact in neurodegeneration, with a focus on risk factors and diagnostic/progression biomarkers. You will also collaborate with clinical partners as well as cross-disciplinary collaborations with colleagues across Life Science and Sports & Exercise departments.

Requirements: 

• Doctoral level qualification in a related research area. 

• Possess breadth or depth of specialist knowledge and demonstrate potential for research independence.

• Excellent track record of relevant research outputs. 

• Significant research experience in the chosen field of research, which should include where appropriate: 
  • leading the work of a team, co-ordinating effort and resources to meet objectives 
  • developing partnerships within the University and with external agencies  
  • preparing funding proposals and applications to external bodies 
  • using initiative, creativity and judgement to develop appropriate approaches to research 
  • synthesising complex data from different sources and communicating findings via written reports and articles 
  • presenting at national and/or international research meetings 
  • supervising student work and providing appropriate support and feedback. 

• Experience of managing and monitoring performance of research projects in multi-disciplinary teams.

• Ability to manage projects involving academic institutions and funding bodies. 

Please refer to the Job Description & Person Specification for a full list of essential & desirable criteria. 

Academic Contact: Prof. Emma Hodson-Tole (e.tole@mmu.ac.uk) to discuss the fellowship opportunity in detail. 

Application Process: 

To apply to the Fellowship, please provide the following documents: 

• Research Interest Statement (no more than two sides of A4, font size 11, 2 cms margin): Statement should include your long-term career aspirations, how your research till date and plans to develop and contribute towards your research interest in the future will impact the University's Research Strategy whilst working with an existing team of researchers.  

• Research Proposal (no more than four sides of A4, font size 11, 2 cm margins): Kindly provide a research proposal focused on a specific topic within the research faculty you are applying for. The proposal should be accompanied by a Gantt chart outlining a 3-year research timeline.  

• Curriculum Vitae (include details of your education, citizenship, publications, funding, employment history & names of referees) 

Please note that panels will not consider attachments that fall outside of the limits, where specified. 

We aim to offer up to a maximum of 15 fellow appointments, for which we will be assessing applicants competitively across the four faculties that are welcoming applications. 

Assessment Timelines: 

• The application window will be available for 8 weeks and will close on 29 May 2024
• Interviews will be held on-site in Manchester (where practical) in the w/c 17 and 24 June 2024
• We aim to make offers to successful candidates in the w/c 03 July 2024

Enquiries:  

If you haven't found your specific area of research, please click here to sign up to our job alerts. 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us on researchfellowships@mmu.ac.uk  

Manchester Met University is committed to creating an intentionally inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We understand the importance of having a diverse workforce and the benefits it can bring to ensuring diversity of thought and innovation in everything we do. We, therefore, encourage applications from our local and international communities, in particular people from ethnic minority groups, disabled people and people who identify as LGBTQIA+.    

We recognise the benefits and importance of an environment that supports flexible working and are open to conversations about this throughout the application process. 

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