Research Assistant INTERNAL ONLY

The purpose of the role is to investigate the disease mechanism of Dravet syndrome, a form of childhood epilepsy, with in vitro neural networks derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). The successful candidate will carry out original biomedical research as an integral member of a research group. They will be responsible for designing and optimizing strategies using state-of-the-art stem cell biology to directly derive cortical-like neurons and glia from hiPSC, and introduce transgenic reporters and other genetic modifications into this experimental system. Furthermore, they will analyse such cultures with methods like confocal microscopy, electrophysiology and live imaging to characterise normal and pathological neural activity in the in vitro model.  

The position is located within the Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience. 

This post will be offered on an a fixed-term contract for 6 months 

This is a full-time  post – 100% full time equivalent

•         Design and optimize strategies using state-of-the-art stem cell biology to directly derive cortical-like neurons and glia from hiPSC.  

•         Perform high quality analyses of hiPSC-derived neural circuits by confocal microscopy, live imaging and flow cytometry. 

•         3. Genetically modifying the genome of hiPSCs to introduce reporter genes and mutations associated with epilepsy. 

•         Maintain up-to-date, accurate and comprehensive laboratory notes. 

•         Manage the progress and set goals for achievement of project aims in collaboration with team leaders, including the execution of literature reviews, data collection and analysis, and writing of reports. 

•         Assist, supervise and train other members of the group, including students and other research staff in their application in related lab projects.    

•         Prepare reports on results for verbal and multimedia presentations at regular lab meetings, departmental seminars, national and international meetings.  

•         Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer review journals or book chapters. 

•         Facilitate collaboration and networking which engages and supports the activities of this research. 

•         Participate in public engagement activities that promote a public understanding of science commensurate with career development on the basis of mutual agreement with team leaders. 

•         Identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio. 

•         Contribute to collaborative decision making with colleagues in area of research.  

•         Implement new technological approaches to solve problems. 

•         Set the standards of service and ensure overall quality is maintained. 

•         Identifying stakeholder (e.g. students, colleagues, external bodies) needs and ensuring these are met. 

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.  

Essential criteria  

1.       MRes/MSc in stem cell biology, neuroscience or a related field. 

2.       Proficiency in hiPSC culture and differentiation. 

3.       Proficiency in Molecular Biology and genetic modification of hiPSCs 

4.       Proficiency in electrophysiological methods like patch-clamp recording 

5.       Competency in operating imaging equipment like confocal microscopes. 

6.       Experience with fluorescent live cell imaging, in particular calcium imaging 

7.       Experience in cell analysis/sorting with flow cytometry 

8.       Good theoretical knowledge of neural circuit modelling with hiPSCs 

9.       Good theoretical knowledge of neurological conditions, in particular epilepsy 

Desirable criteria

1.       Good scientific writing skills 

2.       Experience with supervising/training students and staff.