About us
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced scientist to join the Pichaud lab as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, working in the Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology (LMCB) at University College London. Work in our lab is focused on understanding how cells interact to assemble functional organs. This project funded by the Medical Research Council is innovative and original, and should provide an excellent platform for a motivated scientist to start their own research group.
About the role
The LMCB is a UCL Division within the Faculty of Life Scientists where around 12 programme leaders and 100 staff and PhD students work together to understand the fundamental principles of cell and tissue biology relevant to human disease. The Pichaud Lab, funded by UKRI, aims to understand how cells interact to assemble epithelial tissues essential for organ function. We employ molecular genetics, utilising both hypothesis-driven and unbiased approaches. Our primary model system is the fly eye, where we can manipulate each cell-type in with great spatial-temporal resolution. We are looking for a colleague scientist who will combine an excellent understanding of molecular and cell biology with a special focus on epithelial tissues as well the ability to establish effective and collaborative relationships.
Role specific details:
- There are two posts available. One is available for up to two years initially up to 31 March 2026 and the other is available for between 10 and 12 months (subject to funding) up to 31 March 2025.
- Research Fellows - Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD. If a PhD has not yet been awarded, appointment will be on the 6B scale initially (at £38,966 inclusive of London Weighting per annum) and upgraded to grade 7 on award of PhD.
- This role meets the eligibility requirements for a skilled worker certificate of sponsorship or a global talent visa under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. Therefore, UCL welcomes applications from international applicants who require a visa.
- This role is not eligible for hybrid working.
About you
The successful candidate will be will be part of a multidisciplinary research team studying epithelial cell and tissue biology, spanning molecular analysis of gene expression, biochemical and mechanical cell-cell and cell microenvironment interaction, and mathematical modelling of tissue morphogenesis.
The candidate should possess:
- a PhD in a relevant biomedical discipline, or a concrete plan to defend a PhD thesis within a short timeframe
- a solid basis of developmental and cell biology and a good understanding of tissue morphogenesis
- a good knowledge of research techniques and methodologies related to bioimaging; imaging and image analysis, Drosophila molecular genetics, and solid notions of bioinformatics
- a good research track with a record, with at least one first author publication, and other contributions to the scientific community, including posters and talks at meetings.
- experience of leading and managing a research project
- ability to demonstrate a deep knowledge of own research background and to effectively communicate research achievements to a specialist and to a lay audience
- willingness to contribute to a supportive and collaborative environment among team members and to advocate for and promote equality, diversity, and inclusion among colleagues and other LMCB members.