Research Associate (Fixed Term)

We are looking for a full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate to join Dr Irving Aye's lab at the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Cambridge. Our main research interest is in understanding how metabolism influences placental development. To accomplish this, we are also interested in developing novel in vitro models to study cell-cell interactions. This exciting opportunity is funded by the Medical Research Council and work in the Aye lab is funded by additional grants from the MRC and the Royal Society.

The post-holder should have completed a PhD** level degree in cell biology, biochemistry or a closely related field and have proven track record of success in biomedical research. The post-holder will be responsible for running their own research projects and will collaborate with PhD students, research assistants and other post-docs both within the lab and across Cambridge. The post-holder will be supported to develop their own project within the lab's research theme. PhD students due to submit their thesis this year are encouraged to apply.**

** Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.

Current work in the lab utilises state-of-the-art in vitro cultures (e.g., stem cells, primary cells, co-cultures, organoids), gene targeting approaches (Crispr/Cas9, sh/siRNA, overexpression), advanced molecular biology methods (e.g. bulk and single cell RNA-seq, methylation-seq, 6-letter-seq, ChIP-seq), fluorescence microscopy and metabolism assays (LC-MS, Seahorse Bioanalyzer). In vitro findings may be complemented by mouse models of placenta-specific gene manipulation to establish the physiological relevance, and the use of clinical samples to answer questions of clinical significance.

Key responsibilities:

• Developing and driving research objectives, including experimental design
• Expertise in cell culture, immunohistochemistry, western blotting, RT-PCR, wet-lab sequencing protocols and other molecular biology techniques
• Culturing human trophoblast stem cells, organoids and primary tissues
• Assisting with supervising related PhD research projects
• Preparation of text, tables and figures for publication, preparing presentations and grant applications

The position is based in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (www.obgyn.cam.ac.uk) University of Cambridge. We are affiliated with the Centre for Trophoblast Research (www.trophoblast.cam.ac.uk) and the Stem Cell Institute (www.stemcells.cam.ac.uk) and collaborate widely with groups within Cambridge and abroad.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available untill 30^th August 2027 in the first instance.

Informal enquiries are encouraged and can be made to Dr. Irving Aye: ia319@medschl.cam.ac.uk. More information about the lab www.ayelaboratory.com

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please visit: www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/47976.

Applicants must have (or be close to obtaining) a PhD.

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

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