Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Centre for Developmental Neurobiology

About us

KCL Centre for Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine (CGTRM) The Lieberam group is a premier research institution for the study of tissue regeneration with next-generation cellular and genetic therapeutics. Within this centre, the Lieberam group investigates nerve muscle connectivity and disease that affect neuromuscular systems and cortical circuitry, using human iPSC-based tissue culture models as their primary experimental system. The project will be co-supervised by Dr Ivo Lieberam (CGTRM) and Prof Juan Burrone. 

About the role

This role is for a qualified & experienced scientist who has been working in an academic or commercial research laboratory/company related to the differentiation of human iPSC into different cell lineages, and the assembly of complex tissue culture models from these cellular elements. The cells used in this experimental system will be genetically modified such that their genotypes mimic genetic variants associated with BD. We will study these circuits by immunocytochemistry, electrophysiology & live cells imaging. The aim of the projects is to approximate cellular phenotypes in an in vitro model of Bipolar Disorder (BD), & attributing abnormal network activity to specific neuronal subtypes and BD-linked genetic mutations. This work will form the basis for future projects aimed at normalizing circuit activity in BD with small molecule compounds or gene therapy.

The post holder will contribute to the plan to deliver technical innovation and lead specified work packages developing the experimental plan with Dr Lieberam and other members of the team, and allocating resources to the tasks within the plan. To ensure successful development of the cellular model & progress towards understanding insulin resistance, the candidate requires a strong background/knowledge of human iPSC culture, in vitro differentiation of neural cells, electrophysiology techniques, like patch-clamp recording & multi-electrode array recording, and imaging techniques, such as confocal microscopy and live calcium flux imaging. In addition, they also require excellent interpersonal skills to work within and across a diverse and interdisciplinary team.

This post will be offered on a full-time, fixed-term contract until 30th Nov 2026 in the first instance.

About you

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills & experience:

Essential criteria

• PhD awarded in stem cell biology, neuroscience or a related field.
• Proficiency in human iPSC culture & differentiation as well molecular biology & genetic modification of human iPSCs, such as Crispr-mediated homologous recombination and transposition.
• Competency in imaging technology, such as confocal microscopy & fluorescent live cell imaging, in particular calcium imaging.
• Experience with measurement of neuron and circuit activity with electrophysiology methods, such as patch-clamp recording & multi-electrode arrays. 
• Comprehensive theoretical knowledge of cortical circuitry & the cellular mechanisms underlying neural activity. 
• Comprehensive theoretical knowledge of neural circuit modelling with human iPSCs. 
• Able and willing to provide support beyond core hours, as required. This applies in particular to the maintenance of human iPSC cultures. 
• Experience with the quantification of imaging & electrophysiology data, and statistical methods required for this type of analysis. 
•  Excellent spoken & written communication skills & influencing/behaviour skills to build strong networks with internal and external stake-holders, record keeping & attention to detail, ability to contribute to the team success such as training and professional development of colleagues, providing scientific input during meetings, keeping a healthy working atmosphere in the lab. 

Desirable criteria

• Experience in cell analysis/sorting with flow cytometry.
• Good scientific writing skills. 
• Experience in supervising/advising junior team members & working within an interdisciplinary research team.

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