Research Associate in Alzheimer’s Disease Mechanisms (Tau Biology)

About the roleAre you a motivated postdoctoral researcher keen to uncover the earliest mechanisms driving Alzheimer’s disease?We are seeking a Research Associate to join an Alzheimer’s Research UK-funded project investigating how early tau aggregates form, propagate, and initiate neurodegeneration. The project combines human neuropathology, protein biochemistry, and cell-based systems to identify seeding‑competent tau species and define how astrocytes and amyloid-beta influence these processes.The role involves working across a collaborative research programme at Imperial College London and the University of Oxford, applying integrated experimental approaches to understand disease initiation and progression.What you would be doingIn this role, you will:Design and perform experiments investigating early tau aggregation and seedingWork with mammalian cell culture systems to study protein uptake and propagationApply protein biochemical approaches to characterise aggregation states and protein speciesUse molecular approaches to modulate gene or protein expression in cellular systemsIntegrate cell-based and biochemical techniques within multi-step experimental workflowsAnalyse and interpret experimental data and refine research strategiesCollaborate across research teams at Imperial and OxfordContribute to coordination of project activitiesSupervise and mentor a PhD studentWhat we are looking forThis role is particularly suited to candidates with strong hands-on laboratory experience combining cell biology, protein biochemistry, and molecular approaches to manipulate gene or protein expression, and who are confident working independently on complex experimental systems.We are looking for candidates with:A PhD (or near completion) in a relevant disciplineDemonstrated experience in mammalian cell culture systemsStrong experience in protein-focused experimental work, including biochemical characterisation of protein statesExperience in molecular manipulation of cellular systems (e.g. transfection, gene expression modulation, or related approaches)Experience working across multi-step experimental workflowsProven ability to design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments independentlyEvidence of research output (publications or equivalent)Desirable:Experience in neurodegeneration or protein aggregation researchExperience with human tissue or advanced experimental systemsExperience supervising or mentoring studentsWhat we can offer youThe opportunity to contribute to a major ARUK-funded research programmeA collaborative environment across leading laboratories at Imperial and OxfordAccess to advanced facilities in neuropathology, biochemistry, and imagingOpportunities to publish, develop independence, and contribute to funding applicationsDedicated career development support at Imperial, including 10 development days per yearCompetitive salary, pension, and benefits packageFurther informationThis is a full-time, fixed-term role to 31 January 2030, with the possibility of an extension based on funding.The role is based at Imperial College London (Hammersmith Campus), with collaboration with the University of Oxford.For informal enquiries, please contact: Mariam Abo Hammad, Department Operations Assistant – m.abo-hammad@imperial.ac.ukClinical Associate Prof Javier Alegre Abarrategui – j.alegre@imperial.ac.uk