Research Associate - Project Manager - Brain Organoid Platform - Strand, London, WC2R 2LS

Research Associate - Project Manager - Brain Organoid Platform - Strand, London, WC2R 2LS

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 scientist with postdoctoral experience and expertise in organoid models of neurodevelopment to join our UKRI-funded 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 Project Manager will lead the development and implementation of a cutting-edge platform for generating brain organoids and assembloids from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and embryonic stem cells (hESCs). The successful candidate will provide scientific leadership for the Brain Organoid Platform, supervise technical staff, and ensure the highest standards of research excellence while maintaining detailed experimental records and contributing to the training of facility users.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a state-of-the-art brain organoids platform at the forefront of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorder research. The successful candidate will join a dynamic research environment with access to cutting-edge facilities and the opportunity to make significant contributions to understanding brain development and disease.

This is a full time (35 Hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed-term contract for 3 years, until 31/10/2028.

The role offers excellent opportunities for career development, including potential for permanent position consideration based on performance and funding availability.