Postdoctoral Research Fellow
In the Crick's Moris N |Research Group.
Key information
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
This is a full-time, fixed term (4 year) position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.
The research group
A new opportunity to be part of a dynamic and pioneering lab at the world-renowned Francis Crick Institute in London; a postdoc position in the laboratory of Dr Naomi Moris is now available. We are looking for a highly motivated researcher with a background in developmental biology or stem cells to use human pluripotent cell-based in vitro models to explore the process of somitogenesis. This research builds upon previous work that developed the human ‘gastruloid’ system as a model of early development (PMID: 32528178) and showed that similar mouse gastruloids could be used to examine somitogenesis (PMID: 32076263). The successful applicant will use a wide range of cutting-edge techniques, including advanced imaging techniques, molecular biology and 3D cell culture methods. For more information about our wider research, please visit our external lab website: www.morislab.co.uk The successful applicant will have a track record of high-quality research and communication, and the ability to work well with other members of the team. They will also have a PhD in a relevant area (or be in the final stages of completion).
Project summary
The research related to this project aims to understand the process of somitogenesis during axial elongation. In this project, the successful applicant will explore the dynamics of segmentation, characterise the cell biology changes associated with MET and optimise techniques for studying the integrated development of axial structures in a human-specific model system.
The role will particularly suit an applicant with the ability to work independently to a very high standard, and with previous experience of similar projects.
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
- PhD in Developmental Biology or in the final stages of PhD submission
- Good knowledge and experience in pluripotent stem cell culture (preferably human ESCs and iPSCs)
- Technical expertise in confocal imaging, image/data analysis and molecular techniques
- Track record of writing papers as evidenced by publications or submitted manuscripts in referred journals
- Evidence of data presentation at scientific meetings
- Experience of experimental design
- Ability to work independently and to interact well within a group
Desirable
- Previous background in somitogenesis research
- Experience working with in vitro embryo-like model systems, such as gastruloids
- Technical experience in bioinformatics (e.g. single cell RNA-sequencing), quantitative biology (e.g. computational modelling) or bioengineering approaches