Post Doctoral Research Assistant

Dissecting the role of voltage-gated calcium channels in bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is characterised by extreme mood swings between mania and depression and is estimated to affect around 1 in 65 people worldwide. Recent genetic evidence suggests that deficits in the functions of L-type voltage-gated calcium channels encoded by the CACNA1C gene may be an important factor in the development of bipolar disorder. We will investigate the electrophysiological and pharmacological properties of bipolar disorder risk-associated calcium channels in transfected cell lines using electrophysiology, protein biochemistry, and molecular biological techniques. The project is based in the Pharmacology Group within the School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, with several principal investigations, PhD and PDRA researchers collected in a vibrant Ion Channels Group. The project is part of a larger group with researchers at the University of Oxford with complementary interests in bioinformatics and proteomic approaches, together with computational analyses, and is fully funded by the US-based BD2 charity. BD2 is at the cutting edge of accelerating scientific understanding of bipolar disorder and supports several international groups committed to this shared objective. These groups meet for an international conference every year to exchange ideas and data to which our team will contribute from 2025.

You will have an interest in the role of ion channels in disease and key skills including in vitro electrophysiology and cell transfection, with knowledge of protein biochemistry being an advantage.

You will have:

• Experience of research and research skills relevant to Pharmacology, therapeutics, or closely-related health research
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Ability to plan, prioritise, and organise your own workload
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• BSc, B. Pharm (or Masters degree) or other relevant degree in a pharmacology-related discipline
• PhD in Pharmacology or a relevant related discipline
• A track record of research communication and publication
• Strong knowledge and understanding of the relevant area of electrophysiology
• Understanding of the academic skills required for University-level study
• PhD research experience
• Research presentation at conferences
• Enthusiastic, self-motivated, hard-working, and conscientious
• Well-organised, able to prioritise and manage time effectively

The closing date for applications is 23.59 on 31st January 2025.

Interview date - w/c Monday 10th February 2025.

Future informal details can be obtained from:

Contact Name: Gary Stephens

Contact Job Title: Professor of Pharmacology

Contact Email address: g.j.stephens@reading.ac.uk

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. Applications for job-share, part-time, and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.