Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Reference: B02-05700

Type: Permanent

About us

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced scientist to join UCL as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, working in the LMCB 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 Scientists where fourteen programme leaders and 120 staff and PhD students work together to understand the fundamental principles of cell and tissue biology relevant to human disease. We are seeking a highly motivated and creative scientist to contribute to an exciting research programme in Dr Christopher Stefan’s group studying membrane domain organisation in epithelial cell architecture. The Stefan Lab, funded by the UKRI, aims to understand the molecular basis of membrane organisation and mechanics in epithelial cell architecture and function. To deliver this role effectively you will need a combination of excellent understanding of molecular membrane biology with a special focus on hepatocyte cell biology as well the ability to establish and contribute to effective and collaborative relationships.

Role specific details (Copy applicable sentences below):

This is a fixed-term role until 31 October 2026 in the first instance

Research Fellows - Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Grade 6B (salary £38,466 per annum) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.

This role meets the eligibility requirements for a skilled worker certificate of sponsorship or a globaltalent visa under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. Therefore, UCL welcomes applications from international applicants who require a visa.

We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible and job share basis wherever possible.

About you

The successful candidate will be part of a highly collaborative research team studying membrane domain organisation and mechanics in epithelial architecture, spanning molecular membrane biology, biochemistry, and biophysics.

The candidate should possess:

- a PhD in a relevant biomedical discipline, or a concrete plan to defend a PhD thesis within a short timeframe

- knowledge of membrane domain organisation in epithelial cell biology

- experience in the use of epithelial cell cultures (2D monolayer and 3D spheroids) is desirable

- expertise with hepatocyte cell culture systems including iPSC-derived hepatocytes is an advantage

- knowledge of research techniques and methodologies related to membrane biology and mechanics at the biochemical and biophysical levels

- solid notions of computational approaches to model molecular membrane organisation

- experience in advanced optical and electron microscopy approaches

- a research track record of high-quality publications, collaborations, and other contributions to the scientific community

- experience of leading and managing a research project

- 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 endeavour 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, correlative optical and volume electron microscopy, bioinformatics and high-content biology.

The advert will close on 9 October 2023 at 23:59 GMT, 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: mid-October 2023