Research Associate - Mechanisms of transgenerational inheritance (Fixed Term)

Applications are invited for an enthusiastic and motivated Postdoctoral Research scientist to work on a Medical Research Council (MRC) funded project with Dr Erica Watson and Prof William Colledge.

The Watson lab is a developmental biology group based in the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge (https://www.pdn.cam.ac.uk/directory/watson-erica) and is a member of the Loke Centre for Trophoblast Research (https://www.trophoblast.cam.ac.uk). The over-arching goal of this lab is to explore the epigenetic mechanisms behind transgenerational inheritance of developmental and metabolic phenotypes in a genetic mouse model of abnormal folate metabolism. Key research avenues aim to uncover important epigenetic changes in the germ cells that result from abnormal folate metabolism and how these changes influence epigenetic stability, gene transcription, and fetoplacental development in the multiple generations that follow. The Watson lab is an inclusive and welcoming group, committed to mentoring and supporting career development of all members.

The Colledge lab is also based in the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience. Professor Colledge is a reproductive physiologist who is interested in all aspects of mammalian fertility and has considerable experience of using transgenic mice as experimental models.

We are looking for a postdoctoral scientist to investigate sperm non-coding RNA (ncRNA) as a possible mediator of transgenerational inheritance of congenital malformations caused by abnormal folate metabolism. You will be the key person to manage the programme, run the experiments, analyse the data, and write manuscripts for publication.

The successful candidate should have completed (or will be about to complete) their PhD in a relevant field. They should have a background in molecular techniques and mouse embryo dissection, genotyping and phenotyping. They will have excellent organisational skills and a demonstrable aptitude for research. Experience in conducting zygote microinjections, embryo transfer, MeDIP-seq or RNA-seq (and/or other high-throughput technologies), and/or basic bioinformatic analysis is desirable but not essential. Animal husbandry experience and Home Office Training would be an advantage.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.

Salary Ranges: Research Assistant: £32,296-£34,866, Research Associate: £36,924- £45,163

Fixed term: The funds for this post are available for 30 months in the first instance.

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

Apply

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

To apply for this post, please upload your CV and a letter detailing why you want to be a part of this project and how this post will be a good stepping-stone for your career. We also need the names and contact details for two people, who can provide a professional reference.

The deadline for applications is 31 March 2025.

Informal enquiries can be made to Prof William Colledge, whc23@cam.ac.uk.

Please quote reference PM45144 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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