Postdoctoral Research Associate

Postdoctoral Research Associate: The Role of the Astrocytic Endosomal System in Health and Disease.

Dr Kirsty McMillan at the University of Liverpool, UK, is seeking an outstanding postdoctoral research associate with an interest in endosomal biology and neurodegeneration for an 18-month position. Project: This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing research team in Dr McMillans lab focused on understanding the role of the endosomal system in neurodegenerative disease. The endosomal system comprises an inter-connected series of intracellular membrane-bound compartments controlling protein and lipid transport. Perturbation of the system has been implicated in the initiation and progression of several neurodegenerative disorders, with neuronal endosomal swelling classed as an early hallmark of disease. Crucially, the role of the endosomal system in glial cells in neurodegeneration is unclear and understudied, leaving a critical gap in our knowledge of pathology. Astrocytes, a form of glial cells, are known to play an essential role in neuronal health and neurodegenerative pathology. The aim of this project is to understand the role of the astrocytic endosomal system in neuronal health and neurodegenerative pathology by combining quantitative proteomics, molecular cell biology and protein biochemistry in rat primary cultures.

Dr McMillan is a newly established principal investigator/group leader, based in the Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology in the Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology (ISMIB) at the University of Liverpool. ISMIB is a world-leading Institute in multi-omic research, fundamental cell biology and cell signalling with excellent shared facilities including the Centre for Proteome Research, the Computational Biology Facility, the Liverpool Centre for Cell Imaging, and a leading Biobank of samples.

We encourage applications from enthusiastic and motivated candidates with a PhD (awarded or imminent) in Neuroscience, Molecular Cell Biology, or a related discipline. Specifically, we are looking for candidates with:

• A strong background in using rodent primary cultures (neurons and/or astrocytes)
• Exceptional knowledge of neuronal/glial biology
• Experience in cell biology and/or molecular biology techniques
• Evidence of high-quality research
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to lead and manage their own research
• A belief in the importance of collaboration and providing a supportive environment

This position is offered full time from 1 September 2025 and is fixed term until 28 February 2027 (18 months in the first instance). Informal enquiries are very welcome and can be sent directly by email to Dr Kirsty McMillan (kirsty.mcmillan@liverpool.ac.uk). Formal applications should be online. Please include your CV and a personal statement outlining your interest in the position and explaining how you meet each of the selection criteria using examples of your skills and experience.

If you are still awaiting your PhD to be awarded you will be appointed at Grade 6, spine point 30.  Upon written confirmation that you have been awarded your PhD, your salary will be increased to Grade 7, spine point 31.

This role is eligible for sponsorship under the skilled worker route.

Commitment to Diversity

The University of Liverpool is committed to enhancing workforce diversity. We actively seek to attract, develop, and retain colleagues with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all genders/gender identities, Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, individuals living with a disability, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.