Research Assistant (Fixed Term)

The Research

Luke Harland is establishing a new research group at the Loke Centre for Trophoblast Research within the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge. The Harland lab investigates how specialised blood and vascular cells arise during mammalian development.

Our research explores how developmental processes establish vascular diversity and function, and how specialised vascular cells contribute to tissue morphogenesis during embryonic development. We combine studies of mouse and human development with pluripotent stem-cell and organoid models to investigate these questions. An initial focus is the fetal placental exchange interface, where specialised fetal blood vessels are essential for supporting fetal growth and development.

The lab integrates embryology, stem cell biology, single-cell genomics, genome engineering, imaging and computational approaches.

Further information about Luke Harland and publications relevant to this research programme can be found on the Loke Centre for Trophoblast Research website.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Research Assistant to join our growing Wellcome-funded research programme. This is an exciting opportunity to join a new research group at an early stage and contribute to its development and research culture.

The successful candidate will contribute to research spanning developmental and stem cell biology, with opportunities to work across pluripotent stem-cell culture and directed differentiation, organoids, molecular biology, flow cytometry, microscopy, mouse developmental models and single-cell genomics.

As an early member of the group, the post holder will also contribute to the day-to-day organisation of the laboratory, including maintaining laboratory stocks and records, coordinating orders, and helping to establish efficient laboratory procedures and workflows.

About You

Applicants should hold a BSc or Master's degree in a relevant biological discipline and have practical laboratory experience in cell biology, developmental biology, stem cell biology, molecular biology or a related field. We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in the culture and directed differentiation of mouse and/or human pluripotent stem cells, as well as organoid or other tissue models.

Knowledge of mammalian development would be beneficial. Experience with imaging, flow cytometry, or biological data analysis using R or Python is desirable, and experience analysing single-cell RNA-sequencing data would be an advantage. Training will be provided, and applicants are not expected to have experience across all of these areas.

We are looking for an organised, proactive and collaborative individual with excellent attention to detail, an ability to take ownership of complex experimental workflows, and an interest in combining experimental and computational biology.

For more information please see the further particulars, click the 'Apply' button above.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance. Due to the nature of the work, you will be required to work on site.

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

Applications should include a current CV, a cover letter outlining your interest in the position and relevant experience, and contact details for two professional referees.

Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Luke Harland (ltgh2@cam.ac.uk).

Please quote reference PM51164 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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