We are looking for a highly motivated individual to join our research team devoted to develop new therapies using human pluripotent stem cells. The objective of the laboratory is to uncover the basic mechanisms controlling differentiation of pluripotent cells into endoderm progenitors from which the pancreas, lung, gut and liver originate. For that we use human pluripotent stem cells (embryonic and induced) as in vitro model of development. Our overall objective is not only to acquire the knowledge necessary to control differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into specific endodermal organs but also to generate cell types for clinical studies of inherited disorders and for cell based therapy. Accordingly, projects currently underway aim to generate functional pancreatic, liver, gut and lung cells not only for regenerative medicine but also for disease modelling and drug screening.
The objectives of the current project are (i) to establish a new method for differentiating human pluripotent stem cells into cells representative of different parts of the gut including the intestine and the colon (ii) to demonstrate that the resulting cells can be used for disease modelling and for cell based therapy. This project is part of the INTENS (INtestinal Tissue ENgineering Solution) European consortium which aims to develop new therapy against short bowel syndrome. This project is related to our previous work on the production of gut cells from human pluripotent stem cells (Fordham et al., Cell Stem Cell 2013; Hannan et al., Stem Cell Reports; Forbester et al., Infect Immun 2015) and recent technical developments generated by our group.
Good organizational, analytical, and communication skills are essential as is the ability to work well as part of a team.
Qualifications and experience: PhD or equivalent and a strong background in human pluripotent stem cell culture experience is essential.
The role holder will also assist with grant administration and report writing and contribute to supervision as part of the mentoring programme for PhD students.
Fixed term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.
To apply online for this vacancy, please click on the ‘Apply’ button below. This will route you to the University’s Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.
For further information please contact Professor Ludovic Vallier (
[email protected]).
The closing date for applications is 31 December 2015. Interviews will be held on 13 or 14 January 2016.
Please quote reference RE07673 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
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