Research Associate

Job description

We are seeking for a highly motivated, scientifically curious, and creative postdoctoral research associate with a strong interest mammalian brain development, specifically neuronal ang glial subtype specification to join Setsuko Sahara in collaboration with Laura Andreae's and Eugene Makeyev lab at King’s College London (  https://devneuro.org/cdn/group-overview.php?groupID=87). This 3-year post is funded by the BBSRC. 

 

The Sahara lab studies the mechanisms regulating the self-renewal potential of cortical progenitors and the ability of multipotent cells to differentiate into different types of progenitors and neurons/glia (Ramos et al 2020). The successful applicant will pursue research projects to understand how a vast diversity of cortical projection neurons and glia emerge from a limited number of progenitors during development. We will address this question by interrogating the molecular mechanisms in mouse cortical development. These include in vivo manipulation of gene expression in vivo, cell and molecular biology, brain slice physiology, imaging and bioinformatics.

 

Applicants should have an undergraduate degree and PhD (awarded or soon to be awarded) in neuroscience. Prior experience with transcriptomics and related bioinformatics and cell sorting techniques, brain slice physiology, ES cell based neuronal differentiation (2D or 3D), or brain clearing for 3D imaging is an advantage. Candidates from other disciplines but eager to switch the field to the neuroscience will be considered if she/he demonstrates a high flexibility with a good track record.

 

The lab is based at the Centre for Developmental Neurobiology (CDN) and the MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders at King's College London (KCL), with an easy access to various areas of expertise from molecular and stem cells biology, synapse biology, in vivo imaging to behavioural studies and clinical research. This provides a stimulating environment and extensive training opportunities for the proposed project.

 

For more information, please contact setsuko.sahara@kcl.ac.uk.  

 

This post will be offered on a fixed-term contract to 31 March 2025 (or the end of the project date)

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

 

Key responsibilities

•        Undertake original biomedical research as part of a team working on mammalian cortical development and function.  

•        Perform in vitro and in vivo experimental manipulations in the developing brain of mice and culture cells. 

•        Maintain up-to-date, accurate and comprehensive lab notes and to undertake the analysis of results of research studies as stated above 

•        Prepare reports on results for verbal and multimedia presentations at regular lab meetings, Centre seminars and occasionally, national and international meetings.    

•        Take a leading role in the development and introduction of new laboratory techniques and to assist and train other members of the group, including technical staff, students, and other research staff in their application in related lab projects. 

•        Supervise technical staff and students engaged in similar research

•        Facilitate collaboration and networking

•        Participate in educational activities as appropriate to the stage of your career.

•        Commit to personal career development

•        Liaise with the administrative team for the support of the project.

•        Contribute to publications arising from this 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 (or near to completion) in neuroscience. PhD in other disciplines will be considered by the excellent track record as an exception. 

2.      Postdoctoral or PhD laboratory experience 

3.      Strong expertise in any of the following areas: 

o   neuroscience,  

o   ES cell culture and in vitro neuronal differentiation to model tissue development,  

o   next generation sequencing and bioinformatics,  

o   brain slice electrophysiology,  

o   transcriptomics and related bioinformatics and cell sorting techniques,  

o   tissue clearing for 3D imaging.  

 

Desirable criteria

1.      Experience in molecular biology including Next generation sequencing, bioinformatics and biochemistry 

2.      Experience in animal experimentation with genetically modified mice  

3.      Experience in histological techniques including imaging 

4.      Experience in cell culture and cell sorting 

5.      Experience in brain slice electrophysiology 

6.      Experience of ES cell based neuronal differentiation 

7.      Computer literacy and able to use MS word, excel, MatLab, Unix and R 

8.      Ability to communicate findings with others 

9.      Adaptable to changes in work demands and priorities 

10.   Ability to learn new techniques/skills on the job 

 

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.