Research Associate in Epithelial Stem Cell Biology

We are looking for a full-time Research Associate to work closely with Dr Sanne van Neerven in Ben Simon's lab at the Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge. The Simons lab is co-located in the Gurdon Institute, a centre of developmental biology and cancer research in Cambridge, and the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics. The Institute provides a stimulating environment that promotes collaborative and interdisciplinary research. Its postdoc association encourages scientific and social interactions and provides career development and teaching opportunities.

The successful candidate will have a strong background in epithelial biology with a keen interest and aptitude for work on the mouse intestinal, skin or oesophageal epithelium, with experience in the manipulation, characterisation, and confocal imaging of epithelial tissues. Further experience in the collection and analysis of the single-cell RNA-seq data, the manipulation of mouse and/or human organoid culture systems, and/or clonal lineage tracing will be highly beneficial. You should have a PhD in a relevant subject or expect to obtain one shortly, a sound understanding of molecular biology and a strong publication track-record in cell biology. You will be expected to be able to work independently and interact well in a dynamic multidisciplinary environment.

Where the successful applicant does not yet have a PhD, they will normally be appointed as a Research Assistant, salary range of £32,982 on the understanding that they will be appointed as a Research Associate, salary range £36,024-£44,263, upon successful completion of their PhD.

Alongside wet lab work using transgenic mouse models and organoid systems, the Simons lab makes use of analytical and computational approaches to study mechanisms of cell fate in developing and adult tissues in normal and perturbed states (www.simons.group.gurdon.cam.ac.uk). The focus of the wet lab is on the biology of the intestinal epithelium and squamous epithelial tissue types, including the skin interfollicular epidermis and oesophagus. A particular interest of the group is on defining the transcriptional and epigenetic factors that drive injury-induced cellular reprogramming, and how these programmes may become redirected or subverted during tumour development.

With experience in experimental studies of epithelial tissues, you will play a key role in the investigation of the mechanisms of stem and progenitor cell fate during the maintenance and repair of epithelial tissues with an emphasis on mouse models and human organoid tissue in normal and diseased states. Using a combination of cell lineage tracing, gene-specific perturbations, organoid assays and single-cell transcriptional profiling, the aim of the project will be to define the functional heterogeneity and fate behaviour of stem cells and their progenies, and how their programmes become altered during regeneration and (pre)neoplastic transformation.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for one year in the first instance with the possibility of extension.

Start date: August 2024

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please visit: www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/46711

Please quote reference PR41849 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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