We have an exciting opportunity in the internationally renowned Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher looking to use their skills in Drosophila and cell biology to explore the link between strenuous physical activity and the development of motor neuron disease. Working in the lab of Dr Ryan West you will be part of a larger interdisciplinary, translational project with the labs of Professor Dame Pamela Shaw and Dr Johnathan Cooper-knock. Based in SITraN you will have the opportunity to work in a vibrant research environment bringing together “basic” and clinical researchers at the forefront of MND and neurodegenerative disease research.

This project will build on our recent findings demonstrating Physical exercise is a risk factor for MND.  Capitalising on the genetic tractability of Drosophila as a model organism and utilising our unique fly models of MND, you will explore the molecular basis of the link between exercise and MND. You will work closely with other team members working on patient derived cell models as well as those using bioinformatics to explore gene expression changes and genetic pathways altered by physiological stress responses to acute exercise in healthy and MND patients. You will be expected to work independently, designing, executing, and evaluating experiments, under guidance of the principal investigators. You are also expected to contribute to the preparation of scientific manuscripts, attend and deliver seminars and supervise graduate students.

The post is available immediately and the term is for 3 years.

For more information or to discuss the project please email Ryan West (r.j.west@sheffield.ac.uk)