Overall purpose:
Understanding how the right cell types form in the right position and proportion during embryonic development represents one of the most important open questions in developmental biology. The Development & Transcriptional Control Group is tackling this challenge by investigating how cell identity is established and how it shapes the mammalian body. Our multidisciplinary approach integrates mouse developmental genetics, stem cell-based models of development, and genome engineering. These systems support quantitative and mechanistic studies, allowing us to address how cis-regulatory elements function and their effect on the body plan (Amblard et al., Dev Cell, 2025).
We’re seeking a highly motivatedpostdoctoral scientist to develop new tools and methodologies to uncover the gene regulatory principles of mammalian development. The role offers opportunities to pursue independent research ideas within the lab’s core focus, with strong support for career development and scientific training.
Main duties / key responsibilities:
1. Design and conduct high-quality, independent research aligned with project aims
2. Critically analyse, interpret, and present experimental data with rigor and reproducibility
3. Stay up to date with relevant literature and integrate new findings and techniques into your research
4. Develop and refine experimental methods and protocols as needed
5. Participate fully in lab meetings, presenting research progress and contributing to discussions
6. Provide support and mentorship to students and junior researchers as required
7. Take part in journal clubs and internal seminar programmes
8. Present findings at national and international conferences (where appropriate)
9. Contribute to day-to-day lab operations and shared responsibilities
10. Collaborate effectively within the group and with external collaborators
Additional information:
Applicants should have a PhD in a relevant discipline, with a strong commitment to scientific excellence and teamwork.
This is an MRC Postdoctoral Scientist position to support post-doctoral training and help establish successful research scientists in their chosen field. During the fellowship tenure we are committed to provide mentorship for career development and improvement of communication skills. We also offer a highly attractive benefits package including competitive salary and salary pension scheme.
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Education / Qualifications / Training required (will be assessed from the application):
Essential:
11. PhD (or equivalent experience) in a relevant biology field (, molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, developmental biology, genetics)
Previous work experience required (will be assessed from the application and at the interview):
Essential:
12. Significant practical expertise in molecular biology techniques such as PCR, cloning, CRISPR/Cas9
13. Experience in design and/or generation and validation of new mammalian cell lines (eg. knockouts, reporters, epitope-tagging etc)
14. Significant practical expertise in mammalian cell culture techniques
Desirable:
15. Experience working with embryonic stem cells as 2D/3D in vitro models of development, or mouse embryos or similar animal model organisms
16. Experience in modifying embryonic stem cells using genome engineering approaches
17. Experience in generating and/or analysing and integrating different high throughput sequencing data to study cell identity or gene regulation, such as ChIP-seq, Cut&Run, RNA-seq, ATAC-seq
Knowledge and experience (will be assessed from the application and at the interview):
Essential:
18. Strong conceptual background and interest in at least one of the following: gene regulation in development, embryonic development, or stem cell models of development
19. Excellent written communication skills in English
Desirable:
20. At least one first-author publication in a peer-reviewed international journal or available as a preprint
21. Experience presenting scientific data at national or international scientific conferences
Personal Skills / Behaviours / Qualities (will be assessed at interview):
Essential:
22. Enthusiastic and collaborative team player
23. Ability to conduct research independently, including the design, execution, and analysis of experiments
24. Eagerness to learn and acquire new skills, troubleshoot experiments, and apply creative approaches to scientific questions
25. Willingness to work flexible hours as needed by the project, and to travel for conferences or research collaborations
26. Excellent verbal communication skills in English
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