Research Associate (Fixed Term)

The Scarpa lab is a cell and developmental biology research team based in the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge. We are passionate about understanding how cells move and divide within complex in vivo tissue environments, and we use Zebrafish embryology, live imaging and mechanical perturbations to address these exciting scientific questions. We are a recently established lab, and our team has included people from 4 continents so far. We are enthusiastic, inclusive and we think diversity is key to drive and develop new ideas in science.

We are looking for a Research Associate to investigate the role of tissue-scale confinement during in vivo and in vitro Zebrafish neural crest cell migration. The role holder will develop new techniques to culture and confine Zebrafish neural crest cells in vitro, and carry out live imaging and quantitative analysis of neural crest cell migration in vivo.

In vivo, cells migrate through tight spaces and may undergo division in crowded environments, both in physiological and pathological contexts, for example during immune cells diapedesis or cancer cell dissemination. These phenomena are difficult to observe in vivo, especially in mammalian models. Key studies in the field have largely exploited in vitro systems, for example culturing cells in 3D collagen matrices or microfabrication of PDMS microchannels, to mimic interstitial confining environments. From this wealth of work, it has become clear that cells experiencing physical confinement during cell migration suffer mechanical stress. This causes deformation of the largest organelle, the nucleus, and loss of nuclear integrity, thus inducing DNA damage. Physical compression can even promote genetic diversity in cancer cells. In addition, when cells in culture undergo mitosis under mechanical compression, they show extensive cortical blebbing and suffer division defects. Together, these findings show that mechanical stress negatively impacts the integrity of the genome and this has been proposed to underlie cancer initiation and progression. However, the consequences of mechanical compression on cells during in vivo cell migration remain so far unexplored.

The successful candidate will have a PhD in a biological subject, with knowledge of Zebrafish trunk neural crest embryology, cell biology, genetics. They will have experience with Zebrafish embryology and microinjection techniques, live imaging of Zebrafish embryos and embryo dissociation and FACS sorting. Please refer to the Further Particulars for a full list of the essential skills and experience required for the role.

Informal enquiries about the position can be made to Dr Elena Scarpa ([email protected] ).

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 months in the first instance.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a security check.

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To apply for this post, please submit a CV, and a motivation letter detailing why you want to be part of this project and how this post will be a good stepping-stone for your career. We also need the contact details for two people who can provide a professional reference.

The closing date for applications is 7 June 2024.

Please quote reference PM41833 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Further information
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