Research Associate - Genome regulation
The Ahringer lab in the Gurdon Institute is looking for an experienced laboratory research scientist with expertise in molecular biology and genomics to support its research programmes. We decipher how chromatin and gene expression are regulated to direct the step-by-step development of the single-celled totipotent zygote to the differentiated state. We use the C. elegans model, where the invariant lineage makes it the only organism where it is feasible to determine cell-to-cell genomic regulatory transitions across development. We apply single cell profiling, bulk genomic assays, microscopy, and mutant analyses to determine how the genome is regulated to drive developmental decisions and their expression.
This is a key role that will offer collaborative support and technical expertise across the scientific programmes in the laboratory. The role covers a wide range of activities, allowing for continuity of lab operations. Activities include:
- Collaborating with lab members on research projects.
- Providing experimental or technical support to other lab members.
- Providing technical expertise and input to develop, optimise and troubleshoot relevant and novel methodologies.
- Independently undertaking own research projects, designing, and executing experiments in consultation with the group leader.
- Participating in academic activities, including group meetings and journal clubs, seminars, and scientific meetings.
- Writing up findings and completing revisions.
- Maintaining laboratory organisation, supplies, and safety procedures
- Training new and existing lab members in standard operating procedures
This is a highly collaborative position, so excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential. You should be a motivated and organised individual with expertise in a broad range of molecular biology techniques and have the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Experience in genomic profiling techniques (e.g. ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, RNA-seq, single cell analyses) is highly desirable. Candidates should have a PhD in a relevant discipline and have a capacity to apply initiative and creativity to solve technical and biological problems.
The Gurdon Institute is a world-renowned centre of Developmental biology and Cancer research embedded in the University of Cambridge. It provides an exceptional and stimulating environment that promotes collaborative and interdisciplinary research in a supportive and modern setting, with access to state-of-the-art technologies such as super-resolution imaging, single-cell analyses, genome engineering, and genomics and computer modelling.
Informal enquiries can be made to Julie Ahringer via ja219@cam.ac.uk
If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact hr@gurdon.cam.ac.uk.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 December 2025 in the first instance.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Please quote reference PR41123 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.
Senior Bioinformatician: Single cell multi-omits of developmental trajectories
The Ahringer laboratory at the Gurdon Institute in the University of Cambridge is seeking a talented and motivated Bioinformatics research associate to join their research group. Our research aims to decipher the step-by-step genomic regulation that drives developmental programmes.
A single-celled totipotent zygote produces a multitude of different cell types, however, the genome regulation that drives development is poorly understood. We address this by combining single-nucleus multi-omic profiling with the known lineage of C. elegans, which enables determination of the locus-specific regulation of chromatin and gene expression across all cell divisions from the zygote to the differentiated state (http://www.ahringer.group.gurdon.cam.ac.uk/).
You will investigate genomic regulatory mechanisms in close collaboration with experimental colleagues, using existing cutting-edge software or devising new methods to analyse single-nucleus profiling data as well as other types of genomic and transcriptomic data. You will lead computational projects, participate in research activities of the laboratory as a whole, and contribute to the supervision of students, providing an ideal opportunity to develop an independent scientific career.
You will ideally have a strong background in bioinformatics and statistics and prior experience in the analysis single-cell and other types of high-throughput data (e.g., RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq, CUT&TAG, and chromatin interaction). You should also have a PhD in a relevant subject, a sound understanding of molecular biology, and a strong publication track record in bioinformatics. You will be expected to be able to work independently, interact well in a dynamic multidisciplinary team environment, and be able to communicate ideas and results clearly.
The Gurdon Institute is a world-renowned centre of Developmental biology and Cancer research embedded in the University of Cambridge. It provides an exceptional and stimulating environment that promotes collaborative and interdisciplinary research in a supportive and modern setting, with access to state-of-the-art technologies such as super-resolution imaging, single-cell analyses, genome engineering, and genomics and computer modelling. Its postdoc association encourages scientific and social interactions and also provides career development and teaching opportunities.
The post is initially available for 2 years, with the possibility of extension subject to available funding.
Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and covering letter in the Upload section of the online application. If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact hr@gurdon.cam.ac.uk. If you would like to know more about the role and projects, please contact Prof. Julie Ahringer ja219@cam.ac.uk.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Please quote reference PR40053 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.
Research Assistant in lung stem cells and disease
We are looking for an enthusiastic and technically skilled full-time Research Assistant to join Dr. Emma Rawlins' lab at the Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge. The successful candidate will be involved in a highly collaborative research project focused on the genetic mechanisms underlying human adult-onset lung disease, particularly Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. They will be investigating the regulatory mechanisms that govern lung stem cells using molecular and cellular studies of human lung organoids from the developing and adult lungs. Molecular biology, microscopy and next generation sequencing approaches will also be used.
Laboratory experience in cell culture and molecular biology techniques are essential. Expertise in general areas of stem cell biology, confocal microscopy, flow cytometry and DNA/RNA/Protein isolation/analysis, would be desirable for this position.
Main duties will involve generation of primary organoid cell cultures, cloning and genetic manipulation of organoids. Other responsibilities will include preparation of reagents, maintenance of stocks and assisting in the day-to-day running of the laboratory. For more information about the laboratory please visit www.gurdon.cam.ac.uk/people/emma-rawlins/ The ability to work both independently and as part of a team, coupled with excellent communication, organisational and problem solving skills is required.
Informal enquiries can be made to Emma Rawlins via elr21@cam.ac.uk.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.
Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV (including the names of two people who can provide a letter of reference) in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline your research interests and why you are interested in the post.
If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact hr@gurdon.cam.ac.uk.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Please quote reference PR40016 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.
