An MRC-funded Research Laboratory Technician in Organoid Neurobiology is available for up to 5 years in the laboratory of Dr András Lakatos at the University of Cambridge. The research group focuses on developing and using translational 3D human organoid models for mechanistic discoveries in neurodevelopment and neurodegenerative diseases at single-cell resolution.
This exciting project aims to elucidate how risks can modify early molecular pathology in various neural cell types to inform treatment strategies in Motor Neuron Disease (MND)/Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The successful applicant will receive training and ultimately be responsible for generating 3D human neural organoids and other stem-cell-based models, monitoring the quality of cell lines and cultures, and managing the laboratory environment.
We seek a motivated candidate with excellent organisational and communication skills and an aptitude for teamwork, who will gradually contribute to the technical training of scientists while being assigned to their own research project. The post is a unique opportunity for an enthusiastic graduate or equivalent and is also suitable for those who aspire to pursue further training or studies. The candidate must have a BSc or similar degree in biological sciences, experience in cell cultures, and basic cell and molecular biology techniques. In addition, practical knowledge of human stem cell and organoid culture methods is desirable.
The candidate will join a multidisciplinary and dynamic group of basic and clinician scientists to pursue fundamental and clinically relevant questions in neurobiology. The laboratory is based in the John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, with affiliation to the MRC-WT Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, which are leading centres dedicated to Regenerative Neurobiology, Restorative Neurology and Data Science. The appointee will join a vibrant and international research environment in the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, which has a strong track record for empowering exceptional scientists and supporting the career development of research staff from diverse backgrounds.
Key References: Szebényi, K., Wenger, L.M.D., Sun, Y., Dunn, A.W.E., Limegrover, C.A., Gibbons, G., Conci, E., Paulsen, O., Mierau, S.B., Balmus, G., and Lakatos, A. Human ALS/FTD brain organoid slice cultures display distinct early astrocyte and targetable neuronal pathology (2021). Nature neuroscience 24, 1542-1554
Giandomenico, S.L., Mierau, S.B., Gibbons, G.M., Wenger, L.M.D., Masullo, L., Sit, T., Sutcliffe, M., Boulanger, J., Tripodi, M., Derivery, E., Paulsen, O., Lakatos, A., Lancaster, M. Cerebral organoids at the air-liquid interface generate diverse nerve tracts with functional output (2019). Nature neuroscience 22(4):669-679
If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact Dr András Lakatos by email at the first instance [email protected]. For further information about the laboratory, please visit https://www.lakatoslab.co.uk
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for up to 5 years (1 year in the first instance).
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Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and a CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.
Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.
The closing date for applications is: 15th May 2023
The interview date for the role is: To be confirmed
Please quote reference RR36318 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
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