Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated, scientifically curious, and creative postdoctoral research associate with a strong interest in mammalian brain development, specifically the role of posttranscriptional modifications in neuronal and glial subtype specification to join Setsuko Sahara in collaboration with Engene Maleyev lab at Kings College London (https://devneuro.org/cdn/group-overview.php?groupID=87). This 3 year-post is funded by the Leverhulme Trust.

The Sahara lab studies the mechanisms regulating the self-renewal potential of cortical progenitors and the ability of multipotent cells to differentiate into different types of progenitors, neurons and glia (Ramos et al 2020). The successful applicant will pursue research projects to understand how a vast diversity of cortical projection neurons and glia emerge from a limited number of progenitors during development. We will address this question by interrogating the molecular mechanisms in mouse cortical development. These include RNA biology, in vivo manipulation of gene expression, cell and molecular biology, imaging and bioinformatics.

Applicants should have an undergraduate degree and a PhD (awarded or soon to be awarded) in neuroscience, stem cells, development, or RNA biology. Prior experience with transcriptomics, related bioinformatics and cell sorting techniques, ES cell-based neuronal differentiation (2D or 3D), or RNA biology-related techniques is an advantage. Candidates from other disciplines or model organisms but are motivated to switch to the field of mammalian neuroscience/neurogenesis will be welcomed to apply if they demonstrate high flexibility and a good track record.

The lab is based at the Centre for Developmental Neurobiology (CDN) and the MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders at King's College London (KCL), with easy access to various areas of expertise from molecular and stem cells biology, synapse biology, in vivo imaging, behavioural studies and clinical research. This provides a stimulating environment and extensive training opportunities for the proposed project.

For more information, please contact setsuko.sahara@kcl.ac.uk.

This post will be offered ona fixed-termcontract to 30/09/2025 (or theend of the project date)

This is a full-time post 100 % full time equivalent

Key responsibilities

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

Skills, knowledge, and experience

Essential criteria

Desirable criteria

Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.

More:
Research Associate job with KINGS COLLEGE LONDON | 338029 - Times Higher Education