Job description

The Tucker lab is looking for a postdoc to work on a project funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). The post is for two years to study tooth replacement patterns across vertebrates. The selected applicant will join the vibrant and friendly Tucker lab and work as part of a team to understand mechanisms underlying fate decisions. The lab is part of the internationally acclaimed Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology housed within Guy’s Hospital at King’s College London.  

The department has over 60 research staff and major funding from the Medical Research Council, Biotechnology and Biomedical Science Research Council, Wellcome Trust and European Union. All the groups occupy newly refurbished laboratories and core facilities on floor 27 of Guy’s Tower.  

As mammals we only have two sets of teeth, our baby (deciduous) teeth, and our permanent teeth. This brings the question of why we have this restriction when elsewhere in the animal kingdom sharks, snakes and crocodiles have a seemingly unlimited supply of replacement teeth. Here we aim to understand the mechanisms that restrict tooth number in mammals by investigating the signals that determine whether a tooth is replaced or not. For this, we will study replacement in an animal that does not replace its teeth (the mouse) and a mammal that replaces some of its teeth (the opossum) and compare to a reptile that constantly replaces its teeth (the corn snake) and a reptile that only has one set of teeth (the chameleon). Are the signals that restrict tooth number in mammals shared across toothed animals or are the rules for tooth replacement distinct in mammals compared to reptiles. This knowledge will provide the foundation for an understanding of the mechanisms that control tooth replacement strategies, providing the possibility of controlling tooth numbers in the future. The post will involve both embryo manipulation and bioinformatic approaches and is suitable for researchers interested in evodevo. 

 This post will be offered on a fixed term contract for 2 years 

This is a full-time post - 100% full time equivalent

Key responsibilities

•       Analysis of tissue by RNAscope, Immunofluorescence

•       Laser capture microdissection

•       Transcriptomics

•       Embryo handling and collection

•       Comparative biology

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

* To carry out research activities related to the project, including histology, immunohistochemistry/fluorescence, in situ hybridization, confocal imaging, bioinformatics, explant culture.

* To work to an appropriate level of health and safety and perform such jobs as required for effective running of the laboratory.

* To maintain an up to date and comprehensible record of laboratory work, to make results accessible and complete.

* To work in a timely and organised fashion to complete pieces of work, produce reports or analyses or contribute to scientific discussion

Essential criteria

1.       Knowledge of developmental biology

2.       Interest in evodevo

3.       Experience of molecular biology

4.       PhD in a relevant area

5.       Team worker

Desirable criteria

1.       Original research publications

2.       Presentation skills

3.       Experience working with non-model organisms

4.       Knowledge of bioinformatics