Work experience / Developmental biology
Work experience project
Part of the Crick's work experience programme. Learn more about work experience.
A science-based work experience placement which runs from 13 February to 17 February 2023.
Key information
Our lab investigates the consequences of poor maternal diet on fetal development i.e. if the mother does not have access to an adequate food supply, what are the effects on the developing baby. We primarily look at the consequences on brain development. In the longer term, we can then use this information to suggest effective interventions during pregnancy and childhood to reduce the longer-term health impacts on the child. We use both fruit flies and mice to model the effects of developmental poor nutrition in the laboratory.
In this placement, the student will work together with a scientist in the lab gaining hands-on experience with fly genetics and investigating developmental phenotypes in larvae with genetic mutations. The student will also have the opportunity to work with the scientisy on a mass spectrometry experiment to understand the chemical effects of the gene mutation.
The successful student would ideally be interested biology, chemistry, and lab research.
It is expected that all students accepted for a placement at the Crick are punctual, responsible, show a willingness to learn, listen to advice and act on feedback. For this placement in particular, the student should also:
- Have a good attention to detail
- Be proactive
- Be inquisitive
- Be a problem solver
