Senior Research Assistant (Internal Only) (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; Sur place; GBP 40 000 - 52 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

University of Cambridge invites a Senior Research Assistant to lead histology and imaging underpinning the lab’s programme in neurobiology. The role offers ownership of imaging methods and opportunities to innovate with RNAscope, tissue clearing, light-sheet imaging, and electron microscopy.

The successful candidate will manage core lab activities and train junior staff, supporting a collaborative environment on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus.

Qualifications

• Experience in multiplexed immunofluorescence.
• Ability to develop, optimise and validate new protocols independently.
• Proficiency in quantitative image analysis software such as HALO, Imaris or Fiji.

Responsabilités

• Develop, optimise and validate multiplexed immunofluorescence panels and tissue-based assays in mouse brain.
• Acquire confocal datasets and build reproducible image analysis pipelines.
• Provide lab leadership including ordering, inductions, health and safety, and supervising staff.

Connaissances

Imaging experience

Lab management

RNAscope

Microscopy

Formation

BSc in physiology

MSc or MRes

Outils

HALO

Imaris

Fiji/ImageJ

Description du poste

Job Overview

We are seeking a senior research assistant to work within the Group of Dr. Clémence Blouet at the Institute of Metabolic Science, within a programme aimed at understanding the mechanisms through which central nutrient sensing contributes to metabolic homeostasis.

This position offers an ideal opportunity for motivated scientists wishing to develop their research skills in neurobiology within a world-class research environment.

We are looking for an experienced Senior Research Assistant to lead the histology and imaging that underpins the laboratory's programme, and to help run the laboratory itself.

Role Responsibilities

You will develop, optimise and validate multiplexed immunofluorescence panels and related tissue-based assays in mouse brain; acquire confocal datasets; and build reproducible quantitative image analysis pipelines in HALO, Imaris or Fiji. You will work across several projects and with several people, from undergraduates to postdoctoral fellows, and you will have genuine ownership of the imaging methods the lab depends on - including the chance to bring in new approaches such as RNAscope, tissue clearing and light-sheet imaging, or electron microscopy. Alongside the science, you will take on core laboratory management: ordering and inventory, instrument maintenance, inductions, and health and safety, as well as training and supervising students and junior staff.

Environment

This is a senior post with a long horizon, suited to someone who wants to be the technical and organisational backbone of a research group rather than to move on after two years. The Institute of Metabolic Science offers a highly collaborative environment with outstanding imaging and in vivo facilities on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus.

Requirements

Applicants should hold a BSc in physiology, biochemistry, neuroscience or a related discipline, with substantial post-qualification research experience in histology, imaging and quantitative image analysis. Experience of multiplexed immunofluorescence, confocal imaging and mouse brain histology is essential, as is a demonstrated ability to develop, optimise and validate new protocols independently, and competence in quantitative image analysis software such as HALO, Imaris or Fiji/ImageJ. You should be comfortable with basic mouse husbandry and standard dosing procedures, and hold a Home Office personal licence or be eligible to obtain one. Experience of laboratory management and of training and supervising others is essential. An MSc or MRes, advanced imaging experience (RNAscope, tissue clearing and light-sheet, electron microscopy), basic molecular biology, and a track record of contributing to publications or grant applications are all advantageous.

Contract Details

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 18 months in the first instance.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

Eligibility

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.