Overview
Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Centre for Developmental Neurobiology – INTERNAL ONLY – Strand, London, WC2R 2LS
THIS VACANCY IS OPEN TO INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY
About us
Whilst genes provide the initial template for the nervous system, environmental experiences can create life-long changes in brain structure. We investigate how the brain forms during embryonic development and early life. Understanding brain development will not only inform us about individual variability – why are we different from each other – but also about the origin of pathological conditions such as autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia.
Our centre is committed to educating the public through a range of forums and education programmes. We are led by Professor Oscar Marín, who is also Director of the MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders.
About the role
Applications are invited for an enthusiastic Postdoctoral Research Associate to work with the Brain Health in Gen2020 preclinical team, led Dr. Katie Long in the Centre of Developmental Neurobiology and King’s College London. Brain Health in Gen2020 is a joint preclinical and clinical research programme that aims to map the fetal origins of childhood brain health and the impact of COVID-19 on these processes.
This project is part of the Brain Health in Gen2020 programme, and will aim to characterise the cell behaviour of early human cortical progenitors and the effect of COVID-19 infection on these behaviours.
Candidates should have, or be about to obtain (thesis submitted), a PhD in Developmental Neuroscience . They should have strong experience in human developmental neuroscience, imaging techniques and bioinformatic analysis of microscopy images, RNAseq data and/or spatial transcriptomics. Experience with confocal imaging, human fetal cortex tissue, RNAseq and image analysis are all essential.
This is a full time post (100% FTE), and you will be offered a fixed term contract until 31.12.2026.
About you
To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:
Essential criteria
- PhD awarded in developmental neuroscience*
- Human fetal tissue experience
- Confocal microscopy experience
- RNAseq/spatial transcriptomics experience
- Image analysis skills
- Bioinformatics experience for transcriptomic data
- Ability to troubleshoot
Desirable criteria
- Experience with human fetal tissue research
- Experience working on collaborative projects
- Knowledge of HTA guidelines
* Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.
Downloading a copy of our Job Description
Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the next page after you click “Apply Now”. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.
