Research Associate

We are seeking for highly motivated, intellectually curious, and creative postdoctoral research associate with a strong interest in brain stem cells and mammalian brain development to join the lab of Setsuko Sahara in collaboration with Eugene Makayev’s group at King’s College London. 

The successful candidate will undertake biomedical research as part of a team working on cortical development and function.

This post will be offered on a fixed-term contract to 31 Dec 2024 (or the end of the project date)

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

•        Undertake original biomedical research as part of a team working on mammalian cortical development and function.  

•        Perform in vitro and in vivo experimental manipulations in the developing brain of mice and culture cells. 

•        Maintain up-to-date, accurate and comprehensive lab notes and to undertake the analysis of results of research studies as stated above 

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

•        Take a leading role in the development and introduction of new laboratory techniques and to assist and train other members of the group, including technical staff, students, and other research staff in their application in related lab projects. 

•        Supervise technical staff and students engaged in similar research

•        Facilitate collaboration and networking

•        Participate in educational activities as appropriate to the stage of your career.

•        Commit to personal career development

•        Liaise with the administrative team for the support of the project.

•        Contribute to publications arising from this project.

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.      PhD (or near to completion) in either neuroscience, biochemistry, molecular, or stem cell biology. 

2.      Postdoctoral or PhD laboratory experience 

3.      Strong expertise in any of the following areas: developmental biology, neuroscience, ES cell culture and in vitro differentiation to model tissue development, RNA biology, Next generation sequencing and bioinformatics.  

Desirable criteria

1.      Experience in molecular biology including Next generation sequencing, bioinformatics and biochemistry 

2.      Experience in animal experimentation with genetically modified mice  

3.      Experience in histological techniques 

4.      Experience in cell culture and cell sorting 

5.      Computer literacy and able to use MS word, excel, MatLab, Unix and R 

6.      Ability to communicate findings with others 

7.      Adaptable to changes in work demands and priorities 

8.      Ability to learn new techniques/skills on the job 

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.