Research Associate in the Department of Physics

Job ID: 020105

Salary: £38,304 - £45,026 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance

Posted: 06-Apr-2021

Closing date: 06-May-2021

Business unit: Natural & Mathematical Sciences

Department: Physics

Contact details: Alberto Elosegui-Artola , alberto.eloseguiartola@crick.ac.uk

Off Campus   Research     

Job description 
This fully-funded postdoctoral fellowship is offered in Dr. Alberto Elosegui-Artola's group based at the Francis Crick Institute. The Elosegui-Artola's lab is a new lab that focuses on the interplay between mechanical and chemical cues in living tissues (  https://www.crick.ac.uk/research/labs/alberto-elosegui-artola).
 
The Cell and Tissue Mechanobiology lab will start at the Francis Crick Institute in June 2021. We have strong core funding and we have been awarded an ERC Starting Grant. The Francis Crick Institute is a world-class biomedical research institute dedicated to understanding the fundamental biology underlying health and disease. The Institute has state-of-the-art facilities and technology platforms like advanced-light microscopy, bioinformatics, high-throughput screening, microfabrication or electron microscopy.
 
We are looking for researchers interested in a multidisciplinary approach to determine the interplay between mechanical and chemical cues in living tissues. We utilize a variety of cellular systems like 3D organotypic systems, organoids and primary cells, combined with 3D matrix engineering and microfluidics coupled to advanced microscopy to gain a fundamental understanding of the role of mechanics in tissue behavior. Some of the specific aims are: to study the interaction between tumors and the stroma, to analyze the role of the extracellular matrix in organoid morphogenesis in health and disease; to unravel the mechanical and molecular mechanisms that cells utilize to sense the 3D extracellular matrix; to guide tissue response through mechanical cues.
 
The suitable applicant will use a wide range of cutting-edge techniques including advanced microscopy, image analysis, RNA sequencing, molecular biology, bioinformatics, 3D biomaterials and microfabrication. We are looking for candidates with a PhD in biology or similar (or be in the final stages of completion). Previous experience in biophysical or biomechanical setups at the cell and/or tissue levels will be greatly appreciated (but not strictly required). Candidates with a strong background in advanced confocal imaging, imaging analysis, 3D organotypic models, or organoids (i.e. intestinal) are also encouraged to apply.
 
This post will be offered on a full-time, fixed tern contract for 4 years. 

Key responsibilities 

• Characterize the role of mechanical properties in cell and tissue behaviour. 
• Analyze the evolution of cell and tissues performing time-lapse microscopy.
• Determine the molecular mechanism that regulates cell and tissue response.
• PhD students supervision. 
• Helping the PI in the scientific endeavours of the project.

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

Skills, knowledge, and experience

Essential criteria

1. PhD in bioengineering, physics, biology or similar.
2. Strong experience in wet labs.
3. Previous experience in biophysics/biomechanics.
4. Extensive practical experience working on a multi-disciplinary project. 
5. A proven publication track record appropriate to their career path. 
6. Ability to work independently and within a team.
7. Eagerness to learn new techniques.  

Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.