Postdoc Position on Lysine Metabolism in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex

Aston Pharmacy School

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our dynamic multidisciplinary and collaborative translational epilepsy research community here at Aston. We are looking to appoint one outstanding research scientist to work in the group of Dr. Felix Chan (PI) in a funded project working on lysine metabolism in tuberous sclerosis complex. This project is a compelling research opportunity funded by a fellowship from the United States National Institute of Health (NIH) and Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance; thus, it will involve close communication and work opportunity with US-based investigators, funding agencies, and research stakeholders. This project forms a core part of the research at Dr. Chan’s group to utilize metabolic-based approaches to develop new therapeutic approaches for pediatric epilepsy; of which in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), the severe epilepsy remains the top unmet clinical need.

The successful applicant will conduct metabolomics experiment using liquid-chromatography mass-spectrometry (LC-MS) on clinical samples obtained from a large cohort of TSC patients with epilepsy obtained through the NIH study consortium. In addition, the applicant will use induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) line from TSC patients and conduct CRISPR-gene editing to test our hypothesis of the involvement of lysine metabolism in epilepsy in TSC. Thus, knowledge of either LC-MS and/or iPSC tissue-culture technique would be a bonus. Appropriate training will be provided where required. There is also opportunity to expand and learn in vitro electrophysiology (patch clamp, multielectrode-array recording) within the remit of the group and project. Career development is at the core of this opportunity and so, the applicant will be encouraged to attend local, national, and international meetings; form and strengthen research network; and apply for independent funding opportunity. While this opportunity is fixed term for1 year, every avenue will be explored to provide additional duration of funding to maintain employment in this role.

We are keen to attract highly motivated individual with relevant research experience and training into this role. Collaboration and team-work is central to our research culture at Aston. Applicants will have a PhD in relevant neuroscience/biochemistry/molecular biology discipline. International applicants are welcome and we welcome individuals with interest in international collaborative research, with our US-based partners.

Informal enquiries about the position and/or projects can be made to Dr. Felix Chan at f.chan2@aston.ac.uk 

Aston University is committed to the principles of the Athena SWAN Charter http://www.ecu.ac.uk/equality-charter-marks/athena-swan/, recognised by a bronze award. We pride ourselves on our vibrant, friendly, supportive working environment and collaborative atmosphere.

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.