Senior Laboratory Research Scientist – Organ Morphodynamics lab
In the Crick's Priya R |Research Group.
Key information
Senior Laboratory Research Scientist – Organ Morphodynamics lab
Closing date and time:
- 31st May 2021 at 23:59
Reports to:
- Reports to: Rashmi Priya, Group Leader
Contact terms:
This is a full-time, permanent position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.
Summary
The Organ Morphodynamics Laboratory led by Rashmi Priya is seeking a Senior Laboratory research scientist (SLRS) to support ongoing projects in the lab as well as lead independent research. The post holder is expected to develop tools and technologies, manage day-to-day lab operations and train PhDs and postdocs. The suitable candidate will generate transgenic lines/CRISPR mutants/knock-ins, use advanced microscopic techniques/image analysis and genetic manipulations to understand the fundamentals of heart morphogenesis. The suitable candidate should be strongly inclined to lead independent research projects as well as support lab’s ongoing projects and should be willing to collaborate within and outside the lab.
Project summary
Heart is the first organ to form and function during embryonic development. A critical step during vertebrate heart development is trabeculation, during which the myocardial wall transforms from a monolayer to a complex structure consisting of two distinct cell types: outer compact layer and inner trabecular layer cardiomyocytes (Priya et al., 2020). How this topological complexity is achieved and what are the underlying mechanisms that shape these crucial anatomical structures remain unknown. The broad goal of our lab is to unravel the underlying mechanical, molecular and geometric interactions that transforms a developing heart from a simple epithelium into a highly intricate patterned organ. Candidates with a strong proven expertise in zebrafish genetics, good background in advanced confocal and/or light sheet imaging, image analysis and a good understanding of the mechanics of tissue morphogenesis and/or heart development are encouraged to apply.
Key responsibilities
These include but are not limited to:
- Carry out research projects independently or in collaboration with other members of the lab.
- Support on-going projects and contribution to proof-of-concept studies at the initial stages of different projects – which includes generation and validation of various tools (transgenic lines, mutants), imaging and image analysis.
- Develop experimental protocols, imaging methods and image analysis methods in collaboration with other lab members and STPs.
- Lab management – maintenance and day-to-day operation of the lab, e.g., deriving and maintaining transgenics lines, curating lab inventories
- Training new lab members
Key experience and competencies
The post holder should embody and demonstrate our core Crick values: bold, imaginative, open, dynamic and collegial, in addition to the following:
Essential
- Higher education degree in cell and developmental biology
- Track record of writing papers as evidenced by publications/preprints in the relevant field
- Strong expertise in state-of-art zebrafish genetics – generation of transgenic lines, CRISPR/Cas9 mutations and knock-in technology, as demonstrated by publications
- Strong expertise in microinjection and blastomere transplantations
- Experience in advanced microscopy imaging and image analysis
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Strong skills in organising and thorough record-keeping
- Track record of working on collaborative projects and teamwork experience
- Strong interest in pursuing independent research
Desirable:
- PhD in cell and developmental biology
- Experience in using biophysical tools/approaches and optogenetics
- Good understanding of tissue morphogenesis, mechanics and/or heart development
