Molecular Research Assistant at the Centre for Developmental Neurobiology

at  Kings College London

Job id: 095166. Salary: £37,332 - £42,099 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance.
Posted: 19 September 2024. Closing date: 03 October 2024.
Business unit: IoPPN. Department: Developmental Neurobiology.
Contact details: Deepak P. Srivastava. Deepak.srivastava@kcl.ac.uk
Location: Guy’s Campus. Category: Research.
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About us
At the Centre for Developmental Neurobiology (CDN), we investigate the mechanisms governing the formation of the brain during embryonic development and in early postnatal life. This is based on the understanding that early experience shapes the way our brain is constructed. While the “ground plan” of the brain is genetically determined, it is also influenced by environmental experience. We are still far from a complete understanding of how these processes work.
CDN is one of four departments in the School of Neuroscience at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience and is located at Guy’s campus. Researchers have access to support facilities in genotyping, molecular biology and Drosophila work. CDN has close partnership with the Medical Research Council (MRC) and CDN researchers, together with clinical researchers from King’s, make up the MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders.
About the role
We are seeking a skilled and motivated RNA Sequencing and CRISPR Gene Editing specialist to join our team and be involved in a MRC funded project aimed at generating region-specific brain organoids and assembloids from multiple gene-edited human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) lines. The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing libraries for RNA sequencing, including single-cell RNA sequencing. In addition, the post holder will conduct cloning for CRISPR gene editing, and will contribute to the generation of gene edited stem cell lines. The successful candidate will be expected to carry out these tasks as routine experiments, working both independently and as part of a team. The post holder will be required to be able to maintain a high level of detailed records, stocks and be expected to work with researchers within the group, including PhD students and post-doctoral fellows. This role requires a strong and established background in molecular biology techniques, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced laboratory environment.
This is a full time post, and you will be offered a fixed term contract for two years.
To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:
About you

Essential criteria

• Hold a relevant undergraduate degree (e.g. degree in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry neuroscience)
• Previous experience with molecular biology techniques such as PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, cloning and DNA sequencing.
• Familiarity and knowledge of RNA sequencing, including library preparation.
• Familiarity in CRISPR/Cas9 or similar gene editing approaches, including vector design, cloning, and validation.
• Experience of cell culture with good aseptic technique.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot complex experiments.
• Evidence of good record keeping and project management
• Excellent communication skills, including proven record of training researchers in tissue culture and stem cell techniques and neuronal differentiation

Desirable criteria

• Experience with high-throughput sequencing technologies.
• Knowledge of bioinformatics tools for RNA sequencing data analysis.
• Previous and experience with RNA sequencing, including library preparation.
• Experience of cell culturing of induced pluripotent stem cells.

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 “

Please refer the Job description for details