Research Assistant in Single Cell Genomics

About the role

Applications are invited for a fully funded Research Assistant in Single Cell Genomics in the UK Dementia Research Institute at Imperial, within the Neurogenomics Lab of Dr Nathan Skene, Department of Brain Sciences (https://www.imperial.ac.uk/people/n.skene). 

Today, over 1 million people in the UK are living with dementia and related neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. The impact of these incurable and progressive conditions on individuals and their families is devastating. The cost to the economy and public services is large and growing as the UK population ages.

What you would be doing

We are developing new methods for profiling the binding of transcription factors to DNA.  We need these methods to work at single cell resolution which is requiring us to push the limits of existing microfluidics capabilities. You will be responsible for developing, testing and implementing novel protocols towards this goal.  The Neurogenomics Lab is exploiting these technologies to enable genome function to be understood in disease relevant cell types. This is being done with a view towards commercialisation so would suit a highly motivated tech minded scientist with an engineering approach to molecular biology.

Working in state-of-the-art laboratories on Imperial’s newest campus for innovation in the heart of the west London tech corridor, the research group of Dr Nathan Skene in the UK DRI at Imperial seeks to identify regulatory mechanisms which cause neurodegenerative disorders, along with the cell types in which they act, and determine whether inhibition or activation of the pathway is associated with increased disease risk. Dr Skene’s research focuses on answering simple questions about brain diseases, through the analysis of epigenomic and genetic datasets. A major question of our group is identifying which cell types carry the most genetic load for brain disorders, by linking GWAS data to epigenomic data obtained using single cell methods. 

What we are looking for

• Development of novel methods for single cell genomics, using customisable microfluidic platforms
• Experience with general molecular biology and cellular genomics methods
• Work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary research team
• Demonstrate an aptitude for an organised, methodical approach to your work

What we can offer you

The role will be part of the UK Dementia Research Institute and the Department of Brain Sciences at Imperial College London. Research Assistants enjoy excellent career development opportunities with:

• Strong national links through the UK DRI with attendance at its annual scientific meeting ‘Connectome’.
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career: Gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression

Further information

The post is based in the new UK DRI research labs on the White City Campus in West London. You will benefit from an active research (and social) environment in the Department of Brain Sciences, with additional research labs in the Burlington Danes Building on the nearby Hammersmith Campus.

Imperial is one of the UK’s most international universities and welcomes staff from all backgrounds and from all over the world. 

If you require any further details on the role please contact: [Dr Nathan Skene] – [n.skene@imperial.ac.uk].

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