Senior Research Associate (Philpott lab) - Transcriptional Regulation of Stem Cell Fate

A Senior Research Associate position is available for a highly talented and motivated individual to work with considerable responsibility in the laboratory of Prof. Anna Philpott within the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, a world-leading centre for stem cell research. The Philpott lab has broad interests in understanding the fundamental mechanisms that determine cell fate choice and differentiation, and their coordination with the cell cycle, during embryonic development and cellular reprogramming. We also investigate how these mechanisms are perturbed in cancers of developmental origin such as neuroblastoma. Understanding how cells maintain a correct identity may help to advance regenerative therapies and provide new strategies to treat cancers.

The successful candidate will take a lead with Prof Anna Philpott in driving forward the scientific programmes in the lab. A major focus of research for this role-holder will be to use embryonic stem cells to investigate transcriptional regulation of lineage fidelity during fate specification and differentiation, focusing on uncovering epigenetic and co-factor-dependent mechanisms underlying this control. This work will be complemented by studies of similar developmental mechanisms in embryos of the frog Xenopus laevis. Additionally, we have a programme of work focusing on parallel mechanisms that underpin the molecular regulation of proliferation and differentiation in neuroblastoma. Within the laboratory, we use a number of experimental systems and many techniques including genome-wide analysis of gene expression in single and multiple cells, chromatin binding and accessibility studies and CRISPR genome editing, alongside classical embryology and biochemical approaches. Our overall goal is to exploit an understanding of normal transcriptional and developmental control to enhance cellular reprogramming and develop new treatments for cancer.

We are looking for a scientist with significant post-doctoral experience in research and a proven track record in supporting more junior scientists. Providing scientific leadership within the laboratory, the successful candidate will work closely with Prof. Anna Philpott to ensure delivery on strategic scientific goals, while having considerable scope to set day-to-day research objectives. The successful candidate is expected to develop research projects independently, in consultation with Prof Philpott, and use their initiative and creativity to solve problems as well as provide support to more junior scientists in the laboratory. They will have significant responsibility for scientific outputs of the lab including writing and editing publications, grant preparation and management, as well as undertaking scientific talks and outreach. The successful candidate will have a PhD, considerable post-doctoral experience in stem cell biology, epigenetics, molecular biology, developmental biology, or a similar field, and a proven track record in scientific publication. Prior experience in mammalian cell culture is essential. Experience of transcriptional regulation and/or epigenetics are essential, while experience of genome-wide transcriptional analysis and analysis at the single cell level would also be an advantage. Applicants will be able to assess, interpret and evaluate outcomes of research and translate knowledge of advances in the field into research activity. They must display an ability to undertake project management, have good presentation and communication skills and the ability to support researchers at all stages of their careers.

Please contact Prof. Anna Philpott (ap113@cam.ac.uk) with any informal enquiries.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 March 2026 in the first instance.

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