King's College London

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 research assistant with expertise in human stem cell culture to join our Functional Genomics of Human Developing Brain cluster. This project focuses on investigating loss-of-function mutations in genes associated with neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders through comprehensive molecular and functional profiling of cortical organoids.

The successful candidate will be responsible for generating and maintaining brain organoids from different lines carrying loss-of-function mutations in genes associated with neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. The successful candidate will also carry out a comprehensive molecular and functional profiling of the organoids. In addition, the post holder will culture and maintain human stem cells and conduct cloning for CRISPR gene editing. 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.

The key responsibilities of the position are:

Cell culture work:

• Culture and maintenance of human induced and embryonic stem cells.
• Generation of neural organoids and assembloids from multiple gene-edited lines.
• Execute comprehensive experiments comparing wildtype and isogenic mutant cell lines.
• Maintain up-to-date, accurate and comprehensive lab notes.

Profiling experiments:

• Quality control analysis of human induced and embryonic stem cells.
• Morphological analysis of brain organoids during development.
• RNA extraction, cDNA preparation and qPCR analysis on brain organoids.
• Histological characterization of organoids, including slicing, staining and visualization.

CRISPR Cloning and Gene Editing:

• Design and construct CRISPR/Cas9 vectors for gene editing experiments.
• Perform cloning, plasmid preparation, and sequence verification.
• Conduct transfection and selection of edited cells.
• Validate gene editing efficiency through PCR, sequencing, and functional assays.

Lab Management and Collaboration:

• Collaborate with team members to design and execute experiments.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and manage inventory of reagents and supplies.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety protocols and guidelines.
• Provide training and support to junior staff and students.
• Contribute to a collaborative and productive research environment.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties that may be relevant to the role outline.

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post. 

This is a full time (35 Hours per week), and you will be offered an a fixed term contract until 13/05/2028

About you:

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1. Hold a relevant undergraduate degree (e.g. degree in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry neuroscience). 
2. Extensive hands-on experience with in vitro culture of neural cells with good aseptic technique. 
3. Previous experience with molecular biology techniques such as PCR, qPCR, immunofluorescence, gel electrophoresis, cloning and DNA sequencing. 
4. Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot complex experiments. 
5. Evidence of good record keeping and project management. 
6. Excellent communication skills.  

Desirable criteria

1. Experience in cell culturing and maintenance of induced pluripotent and embryonic stem cells.
2. Experience in generation and maintenance of neural organoids.
3. Familiarity in CRISPR/Cas9 or similar gene editing approaches, including vector design, cloning, and validation.
4. Experience with confocal microscopy.

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 “Apply Now”. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

Further Information 

At King’s, we believe that the diversity of our community and a culture that is welcoming, open, inclusive and collaborative, are great strengths of the university.

The Equality Act of 2010 protects the rights of our students and staff and provides a framework to fulfil our duties to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and in addition, to advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between those who share a protected characteristic and those who do not. At times, this will include balancing rights and beliefs that can feel in tension.

We are committed to free speech and to academic freedom, believing that our foundational purpose as a university, is to create spaces where a wide range of ideas, including ideas that are controversial, can be discussed and debated, and where members of our community can express lawful views without fear of intimidation, harassment or discrimination.

When engaging in the robust exchange of ideas, we ask that our community is mindful of our Dignity at King’s guidance.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the person specification section of the job description. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

We reserve the right to close adverts early due to the volume of applications we receive. While the closing date may change, all adverts will close at 23:59 to allow sufficient time for applications to be submitted on that day.

We encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment as once we have closed a vacancy you will be unable to submit your application.

To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ‘How we Recruit’ pages.