Research Assistant (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge - Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience

We are pleased to advertise a Research Assistant position in Dr Elena Scarpas group to investigate the role of tissue-scale mechanical stress during in vivo cell migration and cell division.

In vivo, cells migrate through tight spaces and may undergo division in crowded environments, both in physiological and pathological contexts, for example during immune cells diapedesis or cancer cell dissemination. These phenomena are difficult to observe in vivo, especially in mammalian models. Key studies in the field have largely exploited in vitro systems, for example culturing cells in 3D collagen matrices or microfabrication of PDMS microchannels, to mimic interstitial confining environments. From this wealth of work, it has become clear that cells experiencing physical confinement during cell migration suffer mechanical stress. This causes deformation of the largest organelle, the nucleus, and loss of nuclear integrity, thus inducing DNA damage. Physical compression can even promote genetic diversity in cancer cells. In addition, when cells in culture undergo mitosis under mechanical compression, they show extensive cortical blebbing and suffer division defects. Together, these findings show that mechanical stress negatively impacts the integrity of the genome and this has been proposed to underlie cancer initiation and progression. However, the consequences of mechanical compression on cells during in vivo cell migration remain so far unexplored.

Our lab uses Zebrafish trunk neural crest cell migration as a novel, physiological model to understand whether physical confinement threatens the integrity of the genome in vivo, and whether this can promote cancer initiation.

The post-holder will carry out Zebrafish transgenesis, embryology, live spinning disc imaging of cell division and nuclear dynamics and quantitative image analysis. Besides these tasks, the RA will contribute to overseeing the maintenance of fish stocks (crossing and genotyping), day to day running of the laboratory (ordering, organization, health and safety) and will contribute to the training of students.

The multidisciplinary nature of the post requires previous experience in the Zebrafish animal model, molecular biology (design, molecular cloning, genotyping), live spinning disc microscopy. The ability to plan, execute and record scientific studies; make independent decisions and solve routine problems encountered in research projects is essential, as are excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until end October 2026 in the first instance.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above.

To apply to this post, submit a CV, motivation letter detailing why you want to be part of this project and how this post will be a good stepping-stone for your career.

We also need the contact details for two people who can provide a professional reference.

The closing date for applications is 24th March 2026.

Please quote reference PM48952 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.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.