Academic ConnectApplications are invited for a 6-month Research Assistant/Research Associate position to join an international team in the Department of Genetics in central Cambridge. The project is led by Dr Ben Steventon and is aimed towards understanding how multi-tissue interactions time the development of the early central nervous system. The role will involve performing tissue ablation experiments in the early chick embryo, followed by gene expression studies and live imaging.
We are looking for a highly motivated and well-organised person, with a first degree in biological or biomedical sciences and experience in molecular biology.
The project will involve learning and applying cutting-edge live imaging techniques including the quantification of tissue flow and tracking dynamic cell behaviours. Experience in the ex ovo culture and manipulation of the chick embryo is required, along with experience in the generation and analysis of single cell RNAseq datasets. It is also essential that the candidate can demonstrate a high level of organisational ability with experience in data collection and database management. The work will be embedded in a dynamic research group that utilizes a range of biological systems to tackle fundamental problems of early embryonic development.
Specific experience required:
- Experimental embryology of the chick embryo: ES and New Culture, tissue ablation, tissue grafting
- Imaging: Confocal microscopy and spinning disk microscopy
- Single cell RNAseq analysis
A PhD in Developmental Biology is essential for this role. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, updated to Postdoctoral Research Associate level once their PhD has been awarded.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 6 months in the first instance.