Research Associate in Anti-Obesity Target Discovery & Validation

We are seeking an outstanding postdoctoral researcher with entrepreneurial drive to carry out experimental work to support the development of a spin-out company focused on anti-obesity target discovery and drug development. Obesity is a highly heritable condition, and genes associated with obesity are highly concentrated in regions of the brain that regulate appetite, such as the hypothalamus. Our collaborators have identified novel genes associated with obesity that could make attractive new therapeutic targets. To study human appetite-regulatory hypothalamic neurons, the Merkle group at the University of Cambridge pioneered methods to generate them from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), and demonstrated that these neurons closely resemble their counterparts in the brain in their morphology, patterns of gene expression, and function. We developed tools and assays to measure neuronal phenotypes directly relevant to the regulation of appetite at scale to facilitate both unbiased discovery and targeted validation. For example, we showed these neurons respond strongly to relevant metabolic factors, hormones, and drugs like semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy). 

We will now leverage the human genetic background, genetic and environmental accessibility, scalability, and disease-relevance of this model system to discover and validate novel targets for anti-obesity therapeutics, and follow up on lead candidates nominated by emerging human genetic evidence both iPSC models in vitro and in mouse models in vivo. The potential of this approach has been recognized by a Golden Ticket award from NovoNordisk and a funding from the Technology Investment Fund from Cambridge Enterprise to support commercialisation. We are seeking a postdoctoral candidate with the qualities listed below to help realise this vision in our academic laboratory, with the aim of transitioning to a future role in the resulting start-up company. 

The successful candidate will have a PhD in neuroscience or a related field, and practical and theoretical expertise in cellular biology (e.g. mammalian cell culture, fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry) and molecular biology (e.g. bacterial cloning, Western blotting, gene editing), and an interest in commercialisation. Excellent communication skills are essential, as are the ability to independently manage time, to independently design and execute experiments, and to collaborate effectively. The ideal candidate will also have practical expertise with hPSC and neuronal culture, high-throughput cell-based functional assays, experience working in biotech or pharma, and expertise in statistical analysis and data visualisation. The position will be based in the group of Florian T. Merkle in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Cambridge, and will involve regular meetings with collaborators. Please see the Further Particulars for more details about the role specification. 

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 18 months in the first instance.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click 'Apply' above.

Applications including a full CV, a cover letter describing why you believe you are a good fit for the position, should be submitted online.

Informal enquiries about the position can be made to Dr Florian Merkle, fm436@cam.ac.uk 

For enquiries about the online application process, please contact the HR Team, hr@phar.cam.ac.uk 

Please quote reference PL47922 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

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

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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