Postdoctoral research associate - University of Cambridge

Job opening: Postdoctoral research associate

Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge

Salary: £27,428 to £35,788

The laboratory of Florian T. Merkle is seeking an outstanding postdoctoral applicant to help develop human cellular models of obesity. This position at the Institute of Metabolic Science at the University of Cambridge offers the opportunity to work in a world-class environment using cutting-edge techniques.

The group have recently developed methods to differentiate human pluripotent stem cells into the hypothalamic neurons regulate appetite. The abnormal behaviour of these neurons is thought to be a major contributor to obesity. The ability to access these neurons for the first time provides an opportunity to characterise the responsiveness of these neurons to genetic and environmental perturbations.

The successful candidate will characterise human hypothalamic neurons using a variety of approaches ranging from CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing, transcriptomics, ELISA, confocal microscopy, and high content imaging. These experiments have the potential to provide new insights into the regulation of feeding behaviour and the molecular and cellular basis of obesity.

You will be expected to collect and analyse data, present the findings within the Institute and at international meetings, and prepare and submit research for publication in peer-reviewed journals. You will also assist in the management of the laboratory, the preparation of research proposals to funding bodies and contribute to the training of other group members.

To be considered for this position, you must:

• possess a Ph.D. in neuroscience, cell biology, genetics, or a related field
• have at least one first-author publication in a high-profile, internationally recognised journal
• possess excellent organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• be highly self-motivated and have a track record of creative problem solving

The ideal candidate will also have experience with:

• assay development and optimisation (esp. high throughput assays)
• molecular biology (esp. cloning, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, bioinformatics)
• neurobiology or cell biology (esp. developmental and cellular neuroscience, signal transduction)
• laboratory management (esp. data management)

Funding for this position is available for 2 years. To apply for this position, please submit your CV, including the contact information of at least 3 references, and a cover letter to Dr. Florian Merkle at [email protected]. You may also be asked to complete a practical assessment. 

Deadline for applications: 17 June 2016

Interviews will be conducted in late June, for a negotiable start date as early as July.