Research Assistant/Post-Doctoral Research Associate (Storer Lab)

The Wellcome - Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute is an international centre of excellence for stem cell research and regenerative medicine. Scientists in the Institute collaborate to advance our knowledge of various stem cell types and to perform pioneering work in translational research areas, providing the foundation for new medical treatments (https://www.stemcells.cam.ac.uk/). The laboratory of Dr Mekayla Storer (https://www.stemcells.cam.ac.uk/people/pi/dr-mekayla-storer) uses multidisciplinary approaches to understand why the distal portion of the digit tip is the only part of the limb that can regenerate in mammals. The key step in this process is the formation of a blastema, a transiently proliferating mass of cells that the regenerates the different cell types of the digit to replicate the original structure. Therefore the broad goal of our research is to understand which cells and molecular pathways are necessary for this process. A portion of our present research builds on our previous work (Storer et al., Dev. Cell 2020) that used high-throughput single-cell mRNA sequencing and Cre-recombinase based lineage tracing to define the transcriptional identity of the mesenchymal cells comprising the blastema and the major transitions during mammalian digit tip regeneration. We are looking for a dedicated post-doctoral researcher to determine which of these factors present during digit tip amputation are necessary for successful regeneration and the mechanisms that underly this process. The post holder will use high-resolution imaging analysis, single cell transcriptomics/multi-omics approaches, in vitro culture with CRISPR-mediated gene regulation and in vivo transplantation assays  Requirements: Successful applicants should have a PhD in the field of regenerative biology, genomics, epigenetics or cell/developmental biology or be close to the completion of their degree. Expertise in general areas of stem cell biology including image analysis, CRISPR genome editing, in vivo mouse models and histology would be suitable for this position. A strong background in epigenetics, single cell transcriptomics and computational biology would be an advantage. It is essential that the post-holder is organized, able to work collaboratively as a member of a team and can communicate effectively and clearly. Start date is flexible but can be as early as March 2024. Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 24 months in the first instance. Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check. Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and a CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.  Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager. The closing date for applications is: 29th February   The interview date for the role is: To be confirmed Please quote reference PS40007 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.