DEPARTMENT

Biology Department
Understanding how GSK3β controls neuronal development and maintenance in time and space
GSK-3β is a key player during the formation and maintenance of neurons. Over-activity has been linked to various neurodevelopmental and -degenerative diseases (e.g. Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease, autism spectrum and mood disorders) making it a highly promising therapeutic drug target. So far, therapeutic strategies manipulating GSK-3β have failed because their application was too general. In this project, we will pioneer the development of novel biosensors to explore GSK-3β activation and localised targeting of GSK-3β activity to study exactly when and where GSK-3β has to be active to influence neuronal development, and which regulators mediate this. Gaining this refined understanding of GSK-3β will provide the foundations for improved therapeutic strategies. This project is funded by a grant to Dr Ines Hahn (York), Dr Han-Jou Chen and Dr Peter O’Toole from BBSRC.

SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATION NEEDED

• Details of the main qualifications, knowledge, skills, experience and qualifications essential to the post (as stated in the ‘person specification’ in the job template)
  Interview date: To be confirmed
  The University strives to be diverse and inclusive – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.
  We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University.
  We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

A description of the main duties and responsibilities of the job, as stated in the main purpose of the role and relevant key responsibilities in the job template (6-8 lines).
The appointee will work in an active research lab, with other neuroscience groups including technicians and research students all working on a range of neurodegenerative problems. They will provide technical and scientific support to a research project in a neuronal cell biology research laboratory, use molecular biology approaches to generate locally targeted GSK-3β variants, perform experiments using Drosophila primary neurons and maintain and generate Drosophila lines.