lab manager London, England
Job description
About us
This is an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, to work in the LMCB in the world-leading Mao laboratory working on the role of mechanics in tissue morphogenesis. The LMCB is in the Faculty of Life Sciences, ranked No.2 in London and No. 9 in the World for Life Sciences and Medicine (QS Rankings 2023). The Faculty of Life Sciences is one of the largest in UCL with over 900 staff and 3,500 students and a diverse portfolio of research and teaching.
About the role
The LMCB is a UCL division within the Faculty of Life Sciences where fifteen programme leaders and around 100 staff and PhD students work together to understand the fundamental principles of cell and tissue biology relevant to human disease. The Mao Lab, aims to understand the role of mechanical forces in tissue morphogenesis. To deliver this role effectively you will need an excellent understanding of molecular, cell and developmental biology, with a background in working with Drosophila and cell culture models of morphogenesis with a high level of expertise in 3D and 4D imaging, image analysis and interdisciplinary (biophysics, computation) research experience. The ability to establish effective and collaborative relationships is also essential. The lab manager role will need excellent organisation skills and experience with database management.
This role is available for 36 months in the first instance
Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD. Otherwise the postholder will be appointed at grade 6B at £37,548 until the PhD has been obtained and backdated to date of final submission.
This role meets the eligibility requirements for a skilled worker certificate of sponsorship or a global talent visa under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. Therefore, UCL welcomes applications from international applicants who require a visa.
About you
The successful candidate will be will be part of a highly productive research team at the LMCB studying the role of the mechanical forces in tissue morphogenesis. This position will require working together with the principal investigator and other members of the team in carrying out highly innovative research in tissue biology and biophysics. We are seeking a highly motivated and creative scientist to join our team efforts to understand the role of the mechanics in tissue morphogenesis and to help with lab management and organisation.
The candidate should possess:
- a PhD in developmental biology and Drosophila genetics
- good organisation and management skills with an approachable personality
- detailed knowledge and extensive experience of Drosophila husbandry and stock making, as well as mammalian cell culture
- a good knowledge of cell and tissue biology and patterning, and principles of biophysics in tissue morphogenesis and patterning
- an extensive knowledge of research techniques and methodologies related to Drosphila genetics, mammalian cell culture, molecular biology, advanced 3D and 4D imaging
- experience with advanced imaging techniques such as Expansion Microscopy, single molecule imaging (eg STORM), FRAP imaging
- expertise in quantitative analysis of large imaging datasets, using and writing analysis code in ImageJ, Matlab, Python and R.
- a good research track with a record of high-quality publications, collaborations, and other contributions to the scientific community
- ability to work as an interdisciplinary team, communicate across disciplines
- experience of leading and managing a research project
- experience with teaching, training, mentoring of students and staff
- ability to demonstrate a deep knowledge of own research background and to effectively communicate research achievements to a specialist and to a lay audience
- willingness to contribute to a supportive and collaborative environment among team members and to advocate for and promote an environment of equality, diversity, and inclusion among colleagues and other LMCB members.
What we offer
Located at the heart of UCL’s Bloomsbury campus, the LMCB has full access to a range of state-of-the-art equipment, including laboratories for cell and molecular biology, optical and cryo-electron microscopy, cell biology, bioinformatics and high-content biology.
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer great benefits. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/rewards-and-benefits to find out more.
The advert will close 2 weeks from date of publication, however we may close applications early if we receive a high volume of applications. Early application submission is recommended.
Interview Date(s) are scheduled for: w/c 14 August 2023
A job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page.
If you have any queries about the role, please contact [email protected]
If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please contact Lucy Newman at [email protected]
The UCL Ways of Working supports colleagues to be successful and happy at UCL through sharing expectations around how we work – please visit www.ucl.ac.uk/ways-of-working to find out more.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.
We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce.
These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.
Our department holds an Athena SWAN Gold award, in recognition of our long-term commitment and 'beacon' status in advancing gender equality.
