Laboratory Research Scientist – Organ Morphodynamics lab

Laboratory Research Scientist – Organ Morphodynamics lab

Reports to: Rashmi Priya, Group Leader

This is a full-time, fixed term (12 months) position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.

Summary

This position is for a fixed-term Laboratory Research Scientist (LRS) in the Organ Morphodynamics Laboratory led by Dr Rashmi Priya. The LRS will mainly contribute towards developing novel tools and technologies for the lab and will also run their independent project(s). The suitable candidate will be expected to collaborate with other members of the laboratory and support their ongoing projects. The specific details and aims of the project(s) will be developed in consultation with the supervisor and will also be driven by the candidate’s training and interest.

The Research Group

The 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., 2022, Nature; Andrews et al., bioRxiv2024.07.24.604962). How this topological complexity is achieved is unknown, as are the underlying mechanisms that shape these crucial anatomical structures. In our lab, we aim to unravel the underlying mechanical, molecular and geometric interactions that transform a developing heart from a simple epithelium into a highly intricate patterned organ. We are a highly interdisciplinary and collaborative laboratory. We combine the excellent tractability of zebrafish embryos with quantitative imaging, transcriptomics, biophysics, genetics, and predictive theoretical modelling to answer fundamental questions driving organ morphogenesis.

The Role

The role of a Laboratory Research Scientist in the Crick is diverse and rewarding with numerous training and development opportunities.

Key responsibilities

These include but are not limited to:

• Contribute to other projects on a collaborative basis (both in the lab and with external collaborators) and lead their own project(s).
• Developing and establishing new tools and techniques which includes generation and validation of zebrafish transgenic lines, HCR techniques, antibody characterisation.
• Providing experimental or technical support to other lab members.
• 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.
• Willingness to actively contribute to a productive and positive lab atmosphere.

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 Biological Sciences, Cell Biology or Developmental Biology (BSc, MSc).
• Practical laboratory experience.
• Experience in microscopy imaging and image analysis.
• Excellent molecular biology skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong skills in organising and thorough record-keeping.
• Strong collaborative ability and teamwork experience.
• Strong interest in pursuing independent research.

Desirable

• Experience in zebrafish embryological techniques and zebrafish gene editing techniques.
• Advanced imaging techniques such as confocal microscopy.