At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a cutting-edge project investigating brain development using human stem cell culture.
- Company: Centre for Developmental Neurobiology at King's College London, part of the School of Neuroscience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Full-time role with a fixed-term contract until May 2028.
- Why this job: Make significant contributions to understanding neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders in a dynamic research environment.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and extensive experience with neural cell culture and molecular biology techniques.
The predicted salary is between 52514 - 52514 £ per year.
About us: At the Centre for Developmental Neurobiology (CDN), we investigate the mechanisms governing the formation of the brain during embryonic development and in early postnatal life. This is based on the understanding that early experience shapes the way our brain is constructed. While the “ground plan” of the brain is genetically determined, it is also influenced by environmental experience. We are still far from a complete understanding of how these processes work. CDN is one of four departments in the School of Neuroscience at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience and is located at Guy’s campus. Researchers have access to support facilities in genotyping, molecular biology and Drosophila work. CDN has close partnership with the Medical Research Council (MRC) and CDN researchers, together with clinical researchers from King’s, make up the MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders.
About the role: We are seeking a skilled and motivated postdoctoral scientist with experience and expertise in human stem cell culture to join our UKRI-funded Functional Genomics of Human Developing Brain cluster. This project focuses on investigating loss-of-function mutations in genes associated with neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders through comprehensive molecular and functional profiling of cortical organoids. The Research Associate will be involved in the development and implementation of a cutting-edge platform for generating brain organoids and assembloids from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and embryonic stem cells (hESCs). The successful candidate will undertake original research in the Brain Organoid Platform ensuring the highest standards of research excellence while maintaining detailed experimental records and contributing to the training of facility users. This is an exciting opportunity to develop a research project in a state-of-the-art brain organoids platform at the forefront of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorder research. The successful candidate will join a dynamic research environment with access to cutting-edge facilities and the opportunity to make significant contributions to understanding brain development and disease. This is a full-time (35 Hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed-term contract until 13/05/2028.
About you: To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills & experience:
- Essential criteria:
- PhD in Neuroscience, Developmental Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, or related field
- Extensive hands-on experience with in vitro culture of neural cells, especially with the culture and maintenance of human induced pluripotent and embryonic stem cells
- Experience in molecular biology procedures (e.g. western blot, quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence RNA sequencing and cloning)
- Experience with confocal microscopy imaging techniques
- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail
- Able to work independently in the design & execution of experiments
- Desirable criteria:
- Experience in generation and maintenance of neural organoids
- Experience using rodent experimental models in neuroscience
- Experience with single-cell RNA sequencing, including sample preparation, and bioinformatics tools for the analysis of sequencing datasets
- Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines
- Experience in supervising & training research personnel
Further Information: At King’s, we believe that the diversity of our community and a culture that is welcoming, open, inclusive and collaborative, are great strengths of the university. £45,031 to £52,514 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance.
Research Associate at the Human Functional Genomics Initiative employer: Economics Network
The University of Worcester is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that values innovation in education. As a PGCE Secondary Science Lecturer, you will have the opportunity to inspire future educators while benefiting from professional development and a flexible part-time schedule at our vibrant St John’s Campus. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the field of education and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package tailored for your needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate at the Human Functional Genomics Initiative
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We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate at the Human Functional Genomics Initiative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Economics Network that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Economics Network.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Economics Network does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Economics Network
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Economics Network. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
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Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
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