About us

At the Centre for Developmental Neurobiology (CDN), we investigate the mechanisms governing the formation of the brain during embryonic development and in early postnatal life. This is based on the understanding that early experience shapes the way our brain is constructed. While the “ground plan” of the brain is genetically determined, it is also influenced by environmental experience. We are still far from a complete understanding of how these processes work.

CDN is one of four departments in the School of Neuroscience at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience and is located at Guy’s campus. Researchers have access to support facilities in genotyping, molecular biology and Drosophila work. CDN has close partnership with the Medical Research Council (MRC) and CDN researchers, together with clinical researchers from King’s, make up the MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

About the role

We are seeking for a highly motivated, and scientifically curious research assistant with a strong interest mammalian brain development, specifically neuronal and glial subtype specification to join Setsuko Sahara in collaboration with Laura Andreae's and Engene Maleyev lab at King’s College London ( https://devneuro.org/cdn/group-overview.php?groupID=87).

The post holder will support experimental work towards advancing our understanding of 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 with a specific focus on posttranscriptional and posttranslational controls. These include in vivo manipulation of gene expression, cell and molecular biology, imaging, and bioinformatics.

This post will be offered on an a full-time, fixed-term contract until 7th August 2026.

About you

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1. A master’s degree in biological sciences or a related field.  Alternatively, more than one full year of wet laboratory experience, if the candidate holds a BSc degree
2. Previous experience working in a research laboratory
3. Ability to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment with excellent time-management and organization
4. Accurate record-keeping and attention to detail
5. Knowledge of basic molecular, cell and neuronal biology
6. Some experience with omics analysis
7. Some experience with molecular biology and biochemistry
8. Some experience with mammalian cell culture, in particular ES or iPS cell lines

Desirable criteria

1. Experience with microscopy
2. Excellent academic record in in biological sciences or a related field
3. Strong interest in interdisciplinary research across neurobiology and Omics biology
4. Ability to troubleshoot laboratory problems

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the next page after you click “Apply Now”. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

Further information

We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community.

We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King's.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ‘ How we Recruit’ pages.

Interviews are due to be held on 2 weeks after the closing date of the advert

We are able to offer sponsorship for candidates who do not currently possess the right to work in the UK.

This post is subject to an Occupational Health clearance.

Grade and Salary: £38,232 - £42,999 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance
Job ID: 109706
Close Date: 06-Apr-2025
Contact Person: Dr Setsuko Sahara
Contact Details: setsuko.sahara@kcl.ac.uk