Lab Manager/ Research Fellow

About us

Cell and Developmental Biology (CDB) is one of UCL’s most prestigious research departments and an internationally renowned centre for interdisciplinary academic research. CDB is consistently rated as world-leading in the field of Biological Sciences and has a long-standing tradition of answering fundamental questions in biology. Our history stretches back to the foundation of UCL in 1826, when the Chairs of Anatomy and Comparative Anat

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Multicellular Morphogenesis Lab, established in the Spring of 2023 by Dr Alessandro Mongera. The successful applicant will conduct research as part of the Wellcome-funded project, "Mechano-metabolic control of vertebrate limb elongation". In this project, we aim to dissect the interplay between mechanics and metabolism during the early stages of vertebrate limb development.

About the role

Applications are invited for a full-time Lab Manager/Research Fellow position to join the laboratory of Dr Alessandro Mongera. This post is funded by Wellcome and is available for an initial period of two years.

The successful candidate will investigate how cellular metabolism regulates tissue mechanics during vertebrate morphogenesis. They will employ state-of-the-art approaches in developmental biology, biomechanics, live imaging and quantitative analysis to understand how metabolic pathways influence tissue fluidity and morphogenesis. The postholder will also be encouraged to develop an independent research direction aligned with the laboratory's broader research programme.

In addition to conducting research, the postholder will serve as Laboratory Manager for the Multicellular Morphogenesis Laboratory. They will play a central role in the day-to-day running of the laboratory. The successful candidate will also contribute to the strategic development of the laboratory by assisting with grant preparation, establishing new experimental workflows, and coordinating collaborations.

The role involves working closely with members of the Multicellular Morphogenesis Laboratory and collaborating with leading international groups, including Professor Lisa Manning's laboratory at Syracuse University (USA) and Professor Nathalie Agar's laboratory at Harvard Medical School (USA).

The position is available from 1 October 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter, and is funded until 30 September 2028 in the first instance.

If you have any queries about the role, please contact Dr Alessandro Mongera at .

If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please contact the HR Administrator.

About you

Candidates should hold, or be close to completing, a PhD in Developmental Biology, Biophysics, or a closely related discipline. Applicants who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting their viva are also encouraged to apply.

Experience with acute tissue slice culture, laboratory management, purchasing, health and safety procedures, or training students and staff is desirable.

We particularly welcome applications from women and individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds, who are currently underrepresented at this level within UCL.

Customer advert reference: B02-10965

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