Research Associate in Stem Cell Neurobiology

 

Job description

We are looking for a skilled research associate with a molecular biological background to join a vibrant group investigating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-frontotemporal dementia (ALS-FTD). You will be using CRISPR to gene edit human stem cells to introduce unpublished disease-linked mutations. This work will entail the use of directed differentiation using genetic cassettes to accelerate progress and facilitate isogenic studies of derived neurons and microglia.  

 

This project is part of a larger collaborative effort funded by ARUK and the Dementia Consortium with extensive bioinformatic support, offering the candidate unique exposure to industry and dry lab science. Our collective aim is to explore uncharted genomic territory and identify novel mechanistic pathways that have not been appreciated by the ALS-FTD field to date.  

 

The candidate will use high-content cellular imaging (Opera Phenix), RNASeq and a variety of other phenotyping approaches to characterise the cells and there will be opportunities to learn neuronal-microglial co-culture techniques. 

You will be expected to write your own manuscripts, help with mentoring students who come through the laboratory, and will be encouraged to write grant applications to further your own career in the longer term. 

 

This post will be offered on  a fixed-term contract for 21 months  

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

 

Key responsibilities

•       Maintaining human iPSCs, deriving neurons and microglia  

•        CRISPR genome engineering  

•        Confocal and high-content cellular microscopy 

•        RNA extraction, qPCR, RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis 

•        Manuscript writing and figure preparation  

•        Presenting at regular lab meetings, periodic departmental meetings

•        Presenting at national and international meetings

 

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.      Degree in biological sciences  

2.      Neuroscience knowledge 

3.      RNA-centric biological knowledge and practical expertise 

4.      Ability to mentor and supervise junior lab members 

5.      Excellent oral and written communication skills 

6.      Able to work to strict deadlines  

7.      Able to interact and work well within a team  

 

Desirable criteria

1. CRISPR, molecular biology and cloning skills 
2. iPSC experience 

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. 

Further information

Interviews to be held in late February/early March with a start date soon after