At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cutting-edge research on vertebrate limb development and manage a dynamic laboratory environment.
- Company: Join UCL's prestigious Cell and Developmental Biology department, renowned for its interdisciplinary research.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, collaborate internationally, and contribute to groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity with excellent career growth and collaboration with top international researchers.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in developmental biology while shaping your own research direction.
- Qualifications: PhD in Developmental Biology or related field; lab management experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Cell and Developmental Biology (CDB) is one of UCL’s most prestigious research departments and an internationally renowned centre for interdisciplinary academic research. CDB is consistently rated as world-leading in the field of Biological Sciences and has a long-standing tradition of answering fundamental questions in biology.
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Multicellular Morphogenesis Lab, established in the Spring of 2023 by Dr Alessandro Mongera. The successful applicant will conduct research as part of the Wellcome-funded project, "Mechano-metabolic control of vertebrate limb elongation". In this project, we aim to dissect the interplay between mechanics and metabolism during the early stages of vertebrate limb development.
Applications are invited for a full-time Lab Manager/Research Fellow position to join the laboratory of Dr Alessandro Mongera. This post is funded by Wellcome and is available for an initial period of two years.
The successful candidate will investigate how cellular metabolism regulates tissue mechanics during vertebrate morphogenesis. They will employ state-of-the-art approaches in developmental biology, biomechanics, live imaging and quantitative analysis to understand how metabolic pathways influence tissue fluidity and morphogenesis. The postholder will also be encouraged to develop an independent research direction aligned with the laboratory's broader research programme.
In addition to conducting research, the postholder will serve as Laboratory Manager for the Multicellular Morphogenesis Laboratory. They will play a central role in the day-to-day running of the laboratory. The successful candidate will also contribute to the strategic development of the laboratory by assisting with grant preparation, establishing new experimental workflows, and coordinating collaborations.
The role involves working closely with members of the Multicellular Morphogenesis Laboratory and collaborating with leading international groups, including Professor Lisa Manning's laboratory at Syracuse University (USA) and Professor Nathalie Agar's laboratory at Harvard Medical School (USA).
The position is available from 1 October 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter, and is funded until 30 September 2028 in the first instance.
Candidates should hold, or be close to completing, a PhD in Developmental Biology, Biophysics, or a closely related discipline. Applicants who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting their viva are also encouraged to apply.
Experience with acute tissue slice culture, laboratory management, purchasing, health and safety procedures, or training students and staff is desirable. We particularly welcome applications from women and individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds, who are currently underrepresented at this level within UCL.
Lab Manager/ Research Fellow employer: UCL
The Faculty of Social and Historical Sciences offers a dynamic and supportive work environment, where your contributions to student recruitment and marketing will be valued. With a strong emphasis on professional development, you will have opportunities to grow your skills in higher education admissions and digital marketing while collaborating with a diverse team dedicated to excellence in teaching and research. Located in a vibrant academic community, this role provides a unique chance to engage with prospective students and make a meaningful impact on their educational journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lab Manager/ Research Fellow
✨Explore University Career Fairs
University career fairs are gold mines, especially for biology roles. We should hit up these events, connect with potential employers like UCL, and get the inside scoop on full-time opportunities. Plus, it's a fab way to showcase our passion for the field!
✨Join Biology Communities
Get involved in local biology associations or online forums—these are great for networking and hearing about job openings before they hit the mainstream. Engaging in meaningful discussions can help us stand out and get noticed by hiring managers in the biology sector.
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Plan to attend biology-related conferences or workshops. These events are perfect for making connections, learning about the latest research, and even finding out which companies, like UCL, are expanding and hiring full-time positions. Don't forget to bring your business cards!
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
When you land that interview, be ready to flaunt your research experience and practical skills. Discuss any lab work, projects, or internships that demonstrate your expertise in biology. We want to make sure the interviewers see exactly why we're a great fit for the role at UCL.
We think you need these skills to ace Lab Manager/ Research Fellow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Lab Skills:In the biology field, it's super important to highlight any relevant lab skills. Make sure to include techniques you’ve mastered, like PCR or chromatography, right in your CV. This helps us see your hands-on experience and how you can contribute at UCL.
Tailor Your Cover Letter with Passion:When writing your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for biology shine through! Share specific examples of projects or research that fuel your passion. It’s the perfect way to convey your motivation and fit for the role of Lab Manager/ Research Fellow at UCL.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any certifications related to biology—like Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) or even specific software for data analysis—be sure to mention those. They can really set you apart from other applicants and show us you’re dedicated to your professional development.
Highlight Team Projects and Communication Skills:Biology often involves collaboration, so don’t shy away from mentioning any team projects you've worked on in your CV. Emphasise how you communicated findings or contributed in group settings. This gives us insight into how you’d fit into our team at UCL.
How to prepare for a job interview at UCL
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Get ready to dive deep into the scientific concepts related to your field! For a biology role, you'll likely face questions about experimental design, data analysis techniques, and possibly even lab protocols. Make sure you're clear on your coursework and any practical experiences you've had.
✨Show Off Your Lab Skills
Hands-on experience can make or break an interview in biology. Be prepared to discuss your previous lab work, including techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, or microscopy. Bring a portfolio of your lab reports or relevant projects to really impress the hiring team at UCL.
✨Communicate Your Passion for Biology
As this is a full-time position, employers at UCL are looking for someone who is not just qualified, but truly enthusiastic about biology. Be ready to share specific moments or projects that ignited your interest in the field. A personal story can really set you apart!
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Don’t underestimate the power of behavioural questions! Expect to discuss situations from your studies or internships where you showed teamwork, problem-solving, or conflict resolution. This is your chance to show that you're not only a great biologist but also a great colleague!
