Research Associate (Fixed Term)

An MRC-funded postdoctoral Research Associate position in Organoid Neurobiology is available for up to 4 years in the laboratory of Dr András Lakatos at the University of Cambridge. The research group focuses on developing and using 3D human organoid models for mechanistic discoveries in neurodevelopment and neurodegenerative diseases at single-cell resolution.

This exciting wet lab-based project aims to elucidate how risks can modify molecular pathology in various neural cell types to inform treatment strategies in Motor Neuron Disease (MND)/Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The successful applicant will generate MND/ALS human organoid and other stem cell-based models developed in the laboratory and will use genomic and protein perturbations, combined with high-resolution imaging and functional assays in mechanistic studies. The Research Associate will be expected to interact with collaborating groups at Harvard University, the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute and the MRC-WT Cambridge Stem Cell Institute.

The post is a unique opportunity for an enthusiastic cell or molecular biologist with an aptitude for semi-independent work, which is well supported by a dynamic team. Fellowship applications may also be supported towards the end of the post. The candidate must have a PhD in biological or medical sciences, and have had practical experience in human organoid cultures, cell and molecular biology methods, preparation of vectors and cloning. Further experience in one of the following is desirable: background in genetics, CRISPR-editing, transcriptomics or proteomics.

The candidate will join a multidisciplinary group of basic and clinician scientists to pursue fundamental and clinically relevant questions in neurobiology. The laboratory is based in the John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, with affiliation to the MRC-WT Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, which are leading centres dedicated to Regenerative Neurobiology, Restorative Neurology and Data Science. The appointee will join a vibrant and international research environment in the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, which has a strong track record for empowering exceptional scientists and supporting the career development of postdoctoral researchers from diverse backgrounds.

Key References:

Szebényi, K., Wenger, L.M.D., Sun, Y., Dunn, A.W.E., Limegrover, C.A., Gibbons, G., Conci, E., Paulsen, O., Mierau, S.B., Balmus, G., and Lakatos, A. Human ALS/FTD brain organoid slice cultures display distinct early astrocyte and targetable neuronal pathology (2021). Nature neuroscience 24, 1542-1554

Giandomenico, S.L., Mierau, S.B., Gibbons, G.M., Wenger, L.M.D., Masullo, L., Sit, T., Sutcliffe, M., Boulanger, J., Tripodi, M., Derivery, E., Paulsen, O., Lakatos, A., Lancaster, M. Cerebral organoids at the air-liquid interface generate diverse nerve tracts with functional output (2019). Nature neuroscience 22(4):669-679

If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact Dr András Lakatos by email at the first instance AL291@cam.ac.uk.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for up to 4 years (1 year in the first instance).

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and a CV in the Upload section of the online application. 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 be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

The closing date for applications is: 15th May 2023

The interview date for the role is: To be confirmed

Please quote reference ZE36333 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.

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