Senior Research Fellow in Stem Cell Biology (MED421817)

Applications are invited for the above post based within the Department of Stem Cell Biology in the Centre for Biomolecular Science, University of Nottingham. This post provides an exciting opportunity to contribute to a British Heart Foundation funded Centre in Regenerative Medicine. This Centre is led by Prof. Sian Harding at Imperial College London, with partner hubs including Nottingham, Glasgow and Hamburg. The post advertised here will be based in Nottingham but will have extensive interaction with the teams at Imperial College. The overall remit of the Centre is to use human pluripotent stem cell cardiomyocytes to directly replace damaged myocardium via cell replacement or indirectly assist via paracrine effects. 

The role of the Nottingham post will be actively engaged in automated production of human pluripotent stem cells, derived cardiomyocytes and their characterisation. It will also involve genetic engineering using Cas9/CRISPR to produce reporter lines that facilitate understanding of cardiomyocyte behaviour after transplantation into the heart. Therefore, it will be essential that the successful applicant has extensive skills in culturing human pluripotent stem cells, differentiation towards cardiomyocytes and, most notably, the ability to operate, oversee and facilitate repair of robotic platforms. Preference will be given to candidates with a high skill level using the Tecan Freedom Evo 200 platform. They will also have a proven ability to manage complex equipment, such as imaging platforms, cell counters etc, as well as have a solid understanding of molecular biology approaches, including gene cloning, transfection and the Cas9/CRISPR gene targeting system. They will need excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate with clarity on complex and conceptual ideas to those with limited knowledge and understanding as well as to peers, using high level skills and a range of media. It is likely they will engage in a limited amount of teaching, including student supervision and teaching at postgraduate level, which will allow them to take up an active role in our taught MSc Course in Stem Cell Technology. 

Candidates will hold a PhD in the biological sciences or equivalent. The post will be fixed term with fixed end date of 30th Sept 2019 with possibility of extension for up to 2 years.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Professor Chris Denning, tel: 0115 8231236 or email chris.denning@nottingham.ac.uk. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

Closing Date: 21 Dec 2017
Category: Research and Teaching (R&T)