Postdoctoral Scientist - Cell Biology - Dr Kate McDole - LMB 1709

Postdoctoral Scientist/ Career Development Fellow
Salary Range £32,302 - £35,143 per annum
Fixed term 3 years
MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Scientist to join the group of Dr Kate McDole at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) in Cambridge, UK to work within a programme aimed at morphogenesis of the mammalian embryo. Specifically, to undertake research to investigate the role of mechanical forces in early organogenesis using light-sheet microscopy.

With form, comes function. Our ability to one day repair damaged tissues and organs, or correct defects in morphogenesis during pregnancy will rely heavily on our knowledge of how these tissues and organs are formed in the first place. Our lab investigates the earliest organogenesis events in the mouse embryo with the aim of understanding how complex 3D structures are sculpted out of initially homogenous starting materials. We seek to answer questions such as: How (and when) do tissues and organs begin to take shape? What are the processes that drive the formation of these shapes? Where are the physical forces driving these shape changes generated? How do these forces influence and how are they influenced by changes in cell fate establishment? Much of early mouse development has been hidden from us until recently with the advent of advanced light-microscopy methods such as light-sheet microscopy. With these tools, we can not only visualize mouse development live, but are able to perturb and manipulate the embryo in real-time, and quantitatively measure cellular behaviours and generate intricate models of cell and tissue interactions.

We seek an enthusiastic individual with a pioneering spirit, to work in an interdisciplinary lab on projects which focus on either the biological aspects of mammalian development and organ/tissue morphogenesis, the advancement of light-microscopy methods to peer even deeper into large tissues, or computational methods ranging from image processing to machine learning to analyse, segment, model, and quantify large-scale time lapse datasets.

Candidates should have a PhD in a relevant subject or be due to complete doctoral studies within 6 months of applying.  Skills and appropriate background relative to the project of interest (i.e. computational projects will require a background or degree in computer science) are a necessity. Familiarity with image processing, computational work, and light-microscopy are essential. Prior work in or demonstration of a good understanding of early mouse development is a requirement for this position.

For informal enquiries about the role please contact Dr McDole at kmcdole">mailto:[email protected]">kmcdole @mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk

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 Postdoctoral 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 .

">http://www.ukri.org">www.ukri.org.

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.

Closing date: 01/12/2021

Final appointments will be subject to a pre-employment screening.

The Medical Research Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer who participates in the Disability Confident scheme.