Postdoctoral Research Associate

About us

The Knight group are searching for a motivated and engaged postdoctoral researcher to work with them at King’s College London to investigate how ageing affects muscle stem cell function.

The post will be based in the Centre for Craniofacial & Regenerative Biology at Guy’s Hospital in the heart of London. Research in the Centre includes developmental biology, biophysics, stem cell biology and tissue engineering in a vibrant, collaborative, and interactive environment.

We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background or culture. Research staff training and development is actively supported at King’s through the action plan for the Concordat for Research Staff.

About the role

We are looking for applicants with a PhD in the area of regenerative or cell biology, with strong skills in analysing gene function and regulation. Experience of working with zebrafish or muscle would be beneficial as would skills in analysing transcriptomic data. Candidates should have an excellent research track record, be committed to the project and keen to work in a multidisciplinary team.

Key requirements will involve functional evaluation of candidate ageing modifiers genes and molecules for their roles in regulating cell behaviour in regenerating muscle of zebrafish. Complementary assays using human cells will be used to determine conservation of function in vertebrates and to identify candidate targets for promoting healthy muscle in ageing. Live cell imaging and analysis, gene function analysis, cell culture, use of zebrafish as a model organism, transcriptomics and molecular network modelling are key skills for this project.

An important requirement of the post holder will be to work with other team members in the groups of Professor Stephen Harridge and Dr. Heba Sailem, who will provide expertise in human ageing and informatics analysis. It will also be important for the post holder to reach out and engage with research networks working on ageing and with interest groups from the public.

This is a full-time post (35 Hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract until 30th September 2027.

About you

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

Essential criteria

• PhD in cell biology, regenerative biology, or relevant subject
• Experience of working with animal models
• Advanced microscopy and image analysis skills
• Advanced molecular biology and gene manipulation skills
• Highly motivated with interest in subject area and evidence of generating research outputs  
• Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work in teams and have a positive approach to co-operative working
• Excellent scientific writing and presentation skills, logical and consistent record keeping and data analysis skills
• Willingness to mentor and train other team members, to contribute to common group activities and meetings and help as needed  

Desirable criteria

• Experience in analysing gene expression datasets and using computer models for predicting molecular interactions
• Experience of working in the area of regenerative biology
• Experience of performing gene manipulation in zebrafish
• Experience of cell culture
• Understanding of the ageing field

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”. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

Advert information