Research Associate in the Department of Women & Children's Health

About Us

The School of Life Course & Population Sciences consists of experts in women and children’s health, nutritional sciences, population sciences and the molecular genetics of human disease.  Our research links the causes of common health problems to life’s landmark stages treating life, disease and healthcare as a continuum.  The School is a multi-Campus organisation, comprising of 5 Departments across 4 campuses.

About the role

We are looking for a grade 6 researcher to join the Laboratory of Professor Kevin O’Byrne, in the Department of Women and Children’s Health, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital Campus.  Working within Professor O’Byrne’s teams, the post holder will provide high quality research commensurate with the BBSRC funded research involving cutting-edge technologies, including optogenetics, chemogenetics mini-endoscopic imaging of complex neural systems in the hypothalamus and limbic brain regions of conscious mice.  We also use computational modelling to enhance our understanding of reproductive neuroendocrinology with our collaborators at the University of Exeter.  Current projects include examining the operational characteristics of the central regulator of the reproductive system, the hypothalamic GnRH pulse generator, impact of stress on fertility and role of emotional limbic brain in reproduction and sexual behaviour.

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract until 31/05/2025. Due to the nature of this role, you will need to be in the laboratory 5 days a week and will not be able to work remotely.

About You

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

Essential criteria

• PhD qualified in neuroscience*
• Significant experience in a wide range of laboratory techniques including stereotaxic neurosurgery, intra-cerebral viral construct injections, chemogenetic and optogenetic and GRIN lens mini-endoscopic monitoring of brain activity; transgenic mouse breeding and ELISA hormone assay
• Proven successful independent, high-quality research in reproductive neuroendocrinology including evidence of publications of high-quality, peer-reviewed papers
• Significant experience in designing, developing and managing research projects including leading or supporting the development and submission of grant applications and funding proposals
• Committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, actively addressing areas of potential bias

* 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.

Desirable criteria

• Engaging in multidisciplinary research projects
• Ability to promote and foster collaborative and interdisciplinary research
• Ability to lead and manage a research team

Further Information

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