Research Assistant (Fixed Term)

The Department of Pathology's McGovern Laboratory is seeking a motivated Research Assistant to study placental biology.

The placenta is the first and largest organ the human embryo makes. The outer most layer of the placenta is formed by trophoblast cells. Healthy trophoblast biology is key to normal placental function. The generation and culture of human placental organoids is key to identifying factors that mediate healthy placental development.

The McGovern lab uses a range of techniques including flow cytometry, organoid cultures and confocal microscopy to understand placental cell biology.

Applicants are required to have:

• Laboratory experience
• Experience in cell culture
• Degree in biological sciences
• Flexibility with hours to allow for samples that arrive late in the day

Experience in immunohistochemistry, organoid cultures and differentiation would be advantageous, but training will be provided if required.

Further details can be found in the further information document attached.

The successful applicant will be responsible for:

• Ensuring all records related to human tissue sample collection and processing are kept up to date
• Coordinating sample collection with research nurses
• Collecting and processing human tissue samples, including blood and placentas
• Generating and culturing organoids and macrophages
• Safety training

In addition to lab work, the applicant will present findings at lab meetings, help with ethics applications, general lab management, training students and visiting researchers in techniques and equipment use.

How to apply:

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not consider these as part of your application.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click on the apply button above.

Any informal queries regarding this position should be directed to Dr Naomi McGovern : nm390@cam.ac.uk

Queries regarding the application process should be directed to Miss Ellie Watson: ew649@cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference PK44155 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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