Research Associate in Epithelial Stem Cell Biology (Fixed Term)

Department/Location: Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute 

The Simons group at the Gurdon Institute is seeking a Research Associate in epithelial stem cell and disease biology. 

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 (http://www.simons.group.gurdon.cam.ac.uk/). The focus of the wet lab is predominant on the biology of the intestinal epithelium and squamous epithelial tissue types. A particular interest of the group is on defining the transcriptional and epigenetic factors that drive injury-induced cellular reprogramming, and how these programmes 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. 

You will have a grounding in epithelial biology with a keen interest and aptitude for work on transgenic mouse models, 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, a sound understanding of molecular biology, and a solid publication record in cell biology. You will be expected to be able to work independently and interact well in a dynamic multidisciplinary environment. 

The Simons lab is co-located in the Gurdon Institute, a centre of developmental and disease biology 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. 

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance. 

The position is full time and available immediately. 

Where the successful applicant does not yet have a PhD, they will normally be appointed as a Research Assistant, salary range of £34,132 on the understanding that they will be appointed as a Research Associate, salary range £37,174-£45,413, upon successful completion of their PhD. 

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

Please quote reference PR44903 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.

Advert information