Lab Manager/ Research Fellow

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. Our history stretches back to the foundation of UCL in 1826, when the Chairs of Anatomy and Comparative Anatomy were created. Alumni of the department include pioneers such as Grafton Elliot Smith, Gavin De Beer, Michael Abercrombie, J.Z. Young and Lewis Wolpert and our work has been consistently rated as world-leading, as exemplified by the 2014 Nobel Prize awarded to Professor John O'Keefe.

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.

In addition to their research responsibilities, the successful candidate will serve as Laboratory Manager for the Multicellular Morphogenesis Laboratory, supporting the day-to-day operation of the laboratory, coordinating laboratory organisation and procurement, maintaining equipment and compliance, assisting with the training of new laboratory members, and contributing to the strategic development of the laboratory.

About the role

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, including overseeing laboratory organisation and operations, maintaining equipment and inventories, managing laboratory safety and compliance, coordinating purchasing and relationships with suppliers, supporting the onboarding and training of new laboratory members, and helping to ensure the efficient delivery of research projects.

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.

About you

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.

Essential requirements include:

• Experience working with animal models.
• Experience in embryology and live imaging.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment.

Experience with acute tissue slice culture, laboratory management, purchasing, health and safety procedures, or training students and staff is desirable. The successful candidate will combine research expertise with a key role in supporting the effective operation, organisation, and growth of the laboratory. They will contribute to the delivery of high-quality research projects while taking responsibility for laboratory coordination, including managing day-to-day activities, organising workflows, supporting equipment and reagent management, maintaining laboratory standards, and ensuring efficient implementation of experimental programmes. They will contribute to training and mentoring students and junior researchers, promoting good research practices, and fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and well-organised research environment.

The successful candidate will have a strong interest in developmental biology, biomechanics, and mechanobiology, together with excellent organisational, interpersonal, and communication skills. They will be expected to contribute to experimental design, data analysis and interpretation, manuscript preparation, and scientific presentations, while also supporting laboratory planning, coordination of research activities, and communication with internal and external collaborators. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to work independently, prioritise multiple tasks, support colleagues, and contribute positively to a diverse and inclusive research environment aligned with UCL’s principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Outstanding candidates will have research experience in biomechanics, mechanotransduction, developmental biology, and/or related fields using animal models and/or in vitro systems. Experience in laboratory management, research infrastructure coordination, mentoring, and supporting interdisciplinary experimental and theoretical research programmes will be highly desirable.

We particularly welcome applications from women and individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds, who are currently underrepresented at this level within UCL.

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits:

• 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• Relocation scheme for certain posts
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London’s Global University, we know that diversity and inclusion are fundamental drivers of creativity, innovation, and excellence, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong, thrive, and reach our full potential. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian, and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.