Research Associate – Cell Fate and Signalling
We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to join our team in the Developmental Signalling Laboratory. The successful candidate will contribute to an exciting project focused on understanding cell fate decisions during early vertebrate development.
About the Project
The laboratory is led by Caroline Hill, who focuses on cell signalling in early vertebrate development and disease. Recent work has determined that mesoderm and endoderm specification in zebrafish embryos requires the interplay of two signalling pathways, Nodal and Fgf/Erk. We now want to understand whether a similar mechanism controls the cell fate decision between mesoderm and definitive endoderm in humans.
The project will make use of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) differentiated as 2D and 3D gastruloids. We will multiplex our novel Erk biosensor with live cell fate reporters to discover whether and how Erk signalling is involved in the cell fate decision between definitive endoderm and mesoderm.
This research has significant implications for our understanding of developmental biology and its application in regenerative medicine.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
* Designing and implementing experiments to investigate cell fate decisions during early vertebrate development
* Multiplexing our novel Erk biosensor with live cell fate reporters to discover whether and how Erk signalling is involved in the cell fate decision between definitive endoderm and mesoderm
* Using multiomics scRNA-seq and scATAC-seq methodology, as well as whole genome CRISPR screening approaches to gain unbiased new insights into the mechanisms driving the specification of the mesodermal and endodermal lineages in humans
Requirements
To be considered for this position, you should have:
* A PhD in a relevant biological science
* Excellent knowledge and demonstrable practical experience of working with embryonic stem cells
* Extensive technical expertise in differentiating embryonic stem cells to different tissue types as 2D and 3D gastruloids
* Technical expertise in advanced live imaging
* Technical expertise in molecular biology
* An excellent track record of writing papers as evidenced by publications or submitted manuscripts in referred journals
* Evidence of data presentation at scientific meetings as talks and posters
* Strong organisational skills and thorough record-keeping
What We Offer
We offer a dynamic and supportive research environment, with access to cutting-edge facilities and technologies. You will be part of a multidisciplinary team working towards advancing our understanding of developmental biology and its application in regenerative medicine.
How to Apply
Please submit your application, including your CV and a cover letter outlining your research interests and experience, to [insert contact details].