Postdoctoral Scientist / CDF

Postdoctoral Scientist / CDF

Salary Range £31,602 - £34,443 per annum

3 years Fixed Term

MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK

The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) is one of the birthplaces of molecular biology and is an internationally renowned centre for fundamental biomedical research.

The LMB has a strong track record in training Postdoctoral Fellows who have gone on to become leading Scientists. We also have an excellent record of innovative basic research leading to applications in medicine. Scientists are drawn to the LMB from all over the world, thus creating a lively and international community for the exchange of ideas and technical innovation.

We are looking for a cell reprogramming Postdoctoral Scientist to join the group of Professor Julian Gough to work on cell fate and evolution. Specifically, to undertake research to investigate human cell reprogramming. We have created a system ‘Mogrify’ based on cellular networks to predict transcription factors for reprogramming one human cell type into another (Rackham et al. Nature Genetics 2016). This has been experimentally validated by proving several novel conversions, and we are validating many more. This position will have the responsibility for generating the input data from biological samples using RNAseq, then conducting cell reprogramming experiments using factors determined by the computational algorithms, and characterising the cells which are produced.

You are highly motivated, have a PhD in a relevant biological subject or due to complete a PhD within 6 months, e.g. stem cells or cell reprogramming. You will have the ability to learn new techniques by drawing on a host of resources and to develop your own protocols for them within the lab, as well as closely following existing protocols already set up in the group. You will need to work in containment safety level 2 labs and also in a clean RNA handling environment. Familiarity working with lentivirus and working with cell culture and characterisation is a bonus.

The project will include collaborating with industrial partners on the downstream translation of the research that we will carry out at the LMB, for medical use and commercialisation. One partner already linked to the project is Mogrify Ltd, located on the Cambridge Science Park. Mogrify Ltd will potentially be able to provide some expertise, training and materials to assist with the research, as well as an onward route to subsequent translation of the work.

The successful applicant will be awarded a 3-year Career Development Fellowship / Postdoctoral Training Scheme position.  This is a training and development position for a post-doctoral scientist who has recently completed their doctoral studies, is moving into a new research discipline or has limited experience of key transferable skills. The MRC LMB has excellent scientific core facilities and training opportunities.

The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology is a research institute within UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).  UKRI is an entity that brings together nine partners to create an independent organisation with a strong voice for research and innovation, more information can be found at www.ukri.org .

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Working for UKRI MRC provides a whole host of benefits including a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement (40 ½ days including bank holidays and privilege days) and Benenden Healthcare membership.  You will also have access to employee shopping / travel discounts, on site sport and social facilities, as well as salary sacrifice cycle to work schemes and childcare vouchers.

To apply and access full details of the vacancy please visit our job board at https://mrc.tal.net/vx/appcentre-int/candidate/post/3043/en-GB ">https://mrc.tal.net/vx/appcentre-int/candidate/post/3043/en-GB">https://...  

If you are unable to apply online please contact us at recruit">mailto:recruit@mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk">recruit @mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk.