Research Assistant in Human Cancer Evolution (Part Time)
We are seeking a highly motivated part-time Research Assistant to join Dr David Fernandez-Antoran's team at the Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge.
The successful candidate will work on a collaborative project with University of Manchester and NHS to understand the evolution of head and neck tumours (HNC) during radiotherapy treatments, using our innovative and long-term 3D primary culture (human cancer Epithelioids) and utilise advanced confocal microscope techniques and DNA sequencing for analysis. As an integral part of our team, you will play a crucial role in driving this project to successful completion.
Key Responsibilities:
-Set up and maintenance of HNC human 3D Epithelioid cultures.
-Conduct experimental work, as required, with the help of an experienced postdoctoral researcher (irradiation of epithelioids, DNA isolation and immunofluorescence staining and confocal imaging).
-Actively participate in regular group meetings and other group activities.
As a valued member of our team, you will have access to a wide range of training opportunities, including state-of-the-art 3D in vitro Epithelioid cultures, live imaging using confocal microscopy, DNA isolation, molecular and radiation biology, and collaboration with various researchers in the laboratory. We are committed to supporting your career development and will provide opportunities for enrolling in professional courses to enhance your skills while in this role.
The successful candidate should demonstrate exceptional attention to detail and possess excellent organisational, communication, and teamwork skills. Previous experience and a solid understanding of working in research labs are essential, and prior lab technician experience would be desirable.
The post is 0.4 FTE (2 days per week) and it is available from the 1st of September 2024 and it is fixed-term for one year in the first instance.
We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time and other flexible working arrangements.
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 PR41686 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 Developmental Mechanics
We are looking for a full-time Research Assistant working closely with Dr Fengtong Ji in Dr Fengzhu Xiong's lab at the Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge. The successful candidate will be involved in studies of cell dynamics and tissue morphogenesis during embryo development using nano-engineering, cellular and molecular approaches.
Cell-type transition and tissue property changes widely exist in the development of normal and malignant tissues. Using chick embryo as the model system, we are investigating the mechanical cues regulating tissue organisation and developing innovative nanorobotic tools to explore the fundamental mechanisms through our unique homemade devices, in addition to ample resources from the core facilities at Gurdon Institute and other departments at Cambridge.
As a member of an interdisciplinary team, the candidate will have the opportunity to receive training in a variety of techniques including molecular biology, embryology, nanorobotics, imaging, computation and biophysics. They will have the opportunity to develop independent projects after gaining adequate experience. Moreover, they will also receive support if they wish to participate in career development activities including appropriate professional courses while in the role. This is an excellent opportunity for someone enthusiastic about learning new techniques, proactive in supporting the research and self-motivated in advancing science.
It is essential that the candidate has delicate operational abilities in wet-lab experiments (such as micromanipulation), detail-oriented research insight and exceptional record-keeping working habits. The experiments in this project need to be well-scheduled and timely conducted as planned.
The successful applicant will have strong organisational and communication skills and excellent problem-solving skills. Experience and a good understanding of working in research labs are required. Prior lab experience related to active matter, surface modification, image analysis (e.g., using Python programming) and confocal microscopy is desirable.
Main duties include: Conduct wet-lab experiments; Acquire and process data; Prepare reagents and samples; Program and debug codes for analysis; Optimise protocols; Coordinate with the PI and Lab Manager; Support other projects if requested; Participate in regular group meetings and other group activities.
Informal enquiries can be made to Fengtong Ji via fj284@cam.ac.uk.
Fixed-term: The position is available from 1st Oct 2024. The funds for this post are available for 2 years 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 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 career aspirations and why you are interested in the post.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Please quote reference PR41632 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
The core bioinformatics group at the Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge is recruiting a Senior Bioinformatician to extend our capabilities in delivering world class research into developmental biology.
Our group supports researchers across the institute in experimental design, analysis and presentation of high throughput data. You will work collaboratively with researchers to develop new scientific understanding and contribute to publications. In addition, and depending on your skills and interests, you may contribute to the development of pipelines to supply researchers with processed data or development of new computational methods applicable to institute research. Computational biology themes within the institute include analysis of whole genome sequencing, RNA-seq, ChIP-seq/CUT&RUN and single-cell multiomics.
Working in a core bioinformatics group in an academic environment comes with a great number of benefits. You will work on diverse projects, utilising your existing skills and acquiring new ones, exploring the full breadth of cutting-edge developmental biology research taking place at the Gurdon Institute. Your work will have a meaningful impact on individuals as well as our research, solving their data analysis problems and helping them to gain skills.
You should have a PhD (or equivalent post-doctoral experience) in computational biology, a sound understanding of molecular biology, and a publication track record in bioinformatics. A high level of proficiency in Python and/or R programming in a Linux environment is essential.
The Gurdon Institute is a world-renowned centre of Developmental biology and Cancer research embedded in the University of Cambridge. It is supported by funding from the Wellcome Trust and Cancer Research UK, and 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 genomics, high-performance computing, super-resolution imaging and single-cell analysis.
Limited funding: The funds for this post are available until November 2026 in the first instance, with the possibility of extension subject to available funding.
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 Adam Reid (ajr236@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 PR41597 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 Building Services Technician
An opportunity has arisen for a versatile Senior Building Services Technician to join our building maintenance/facilities team, providing an efficient and reliable service to our purpose-built research laboratories located in central Cambridge.
The role holder will assist in the preventative maintenance/repair of our highly serviced research building and will perform routine checks and monitoring of plant equipment. The role holder will support the Building Services Manager with planned and reactive maintenance for all plant within our highly serviced research building to ensure the provision of a safe, legal and compliant working environment that meets good practice standards at all times. This will include the maintenance or monitoring of heating, plumbing, and ventilation systems, general building infrastructure repairs, assisting with the installation of new often specialist research equipment, electrical testing and fault-finding of laboratory equipment. As a result of the above, the role holder will ideally have a diverse understanding and skills in plumbing, heating and ventilation.
The successful applicant will have:
A professional qualification in a relevant mechanical trade (i.e. NVQ Level 3 / City & Guilds) however consideration will be given to applicants with a background in building services who are able to demonstrate technical competencies or practical experience of building maintenance services (or similar discipline).
Experience in providing building services support within a laboratory environment would be an advantage.
A flexible approach to their workload to balance the needs of research and work efficiently within a team environment.
Knowledge of the appropriate regulations to comply with relevant Health & Safety legislation.
Good communication skills (verbal and written), with good organisational skills and ability to work flexibly to meet changing demands and problem solve where necessary.
Once trained to a suitable level, the role holder will be required to take part in our out-of-hours response rota for plant failure, fire and equipment alarms.
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 PR41487 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 the development of multi-species interactions
We are looking for an enthusiastic full-time Research Assistant to work with Dr Susie McLaren on the development of key species interactions in coral reef ecosystems, based in the Xiong group (www.xionglab.org) at the Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge.
The successful candidate will be involved in studies of symbiont-host cell interactions, morphogenesis and tissue mechanics during coral embryo development and symbiosis establishment with dinoflagellate algae. This research seeks to uncover novel mechanisms in the development of Cnidarian-Plankton symbiosis and the unexplored interplay between symbionts and corals during cnidarian morphogenesis with an aim to inform our understanding of fundamental biological processes and coral reef ecosystem recovery approaches. Using molecular, cellular, physical and theoretical approaches, the candidate will work closely with the PI and researchers in the lab to assist the completion of projects and upkeep of organisms. In addition to working on the development of key ecological interactions, the candidate will have the chance to work in an exciting interdisciplinary environment and engage with members of the host lab, which focuses on understanding the physical mechanisms of development using the chicken embryo as a model system. There will also be opportunities to receive training in a variety of techniques including imaging, computation, biophysics, cell and developmental biology and engineering approaches and will receive co-authorship credits on publications. Furthermore, the candidate will receive support if they wish to take on career development activities including appropriate professional courses while in the role. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to contribute to and develop their experience in research at the intersection of developmental biology and ecology with important implications for ecosystem conservation approaches.
The position is available immediately.
It is essential that the candidate has excellent communication and teamwork skills. Experience and a good understanding of working in research labs are required. Prior lab technician experience is desirable.
Main duties include: Perform experimental and analysis work on different projects depending on project needs; Perform and develop methods for maintenance and handling of organisms (Cnidarians, algae, copepods); Master and maintain lab protocols and prepare common reagents; Coordinate with the PI; Provide technical guidance and training to new lab members; Participate in regular group meetings and other group activities.
Informal enquiries can be made to Susie McLaren via sbm35@cam.ac.uk
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 1 years in the first instance.
Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Please quote reference PR41264 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 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.
