Senior Research Assistant (Internal Only) (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

None

Job summary

University of Cambridge is seeking a Senior Research Assistant to lead histology and imaging for the Institute of Metabolic Science. You will develop multiplexed immunofluorescence panels, acquire confocal datasets and build quantitative image analysis pipelines in HALO, Imaris or Fiji.

You will also manage the lab, supervise students and provide training, serving as the technical and organisational backbone of the group.

Qualifications

• Hold a BSc in physiology, biochemistry, neuroscience or related field with substantial post-qualification research experience in histology, imaging and image analysis.
• Experience with multiplexed immunofluorescence, confocal imaging and mouse brain histology is essential.
• Ability to develop, optimize and validate new protocols independently and to perform quantitative image analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead histology and imaging underpinning the laboratory's programme.
• Develop, optimise and validate multiplexed immunofluorescence panels and related tissue assays in mouse brain.
• Acquire confocal datasets and build reproducible image analysis pipelines.
• Work across projects and supervise students and junior staff; manage the lab core operations.

Skills

Histology

Immunofluorescence

Confocal imaging

Image analysis

Lab management

Mouse handling

Molecular biology basics

Education

BSc in physiology, biochemistry, neuroscience or related

MSc or MRes advantageous

Tools

HALO

Imaris

Fiji/ImageJ

RNAscope

Tissue clearing

Light-sheet

Electron microscopy

Job description

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. 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.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.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.Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.Please quote reference RG51395 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.Apply online