We are looking for a highly motivated individual to join our research team devoted to developing new therapies for liver diseases using human pluripotent stem cells. The objective of the research is to uncover the basic mechanisms controlling differentiation of pluripotent cells into endoderm progenitors from which the pancreas, lung, gut and liver originate. Human pluripotent stem cells (embryonic and induced) are used in an in vitro model of development. The overall objective is not only to acquire the knowledge necessary to control differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into specific endodermal cells but also to generate cell types for clinical studies of inherited disorders and for cell based therapy. Projects currently underway aim to generate functional pancreatic and liver cells for both cell based therapy and disease modelling and drug screening. The post will be based in the Wellcome Trust and MRC Stem Cell Institute Anne McLaren Laboratory.
The objectives of the current project are (i) to establish a new method for differentiating human pluripotent stem cells into fully functional hepatocytes for disease modelling and cell based therapy and (ii) to use the resulting cells in collaboration with the members of the UK-RMP PSCP program for the development of transplantable 3D liver organoid system. This project is related to previous work on the production of hepatocyte like cells from human pluripotent stem cells (Rashid et al., JCI 2010, Yusa et al., Nature 2011; Hannan N et al, Nature Protocol 2013, Sampaziotis et al., Nature Biotechnology 2015) and important recent technical developments generated by our group.
Qualifications and experience: PhD, or equivalent, with a strong background in molecular biology with human pluripotent stem cell culture experience is required. Good organisational, analytical and communication skills are essential.
The role holder will also assist with grant administration, report writing for funding bodies and participate in the research group PhD training and mentoring programme.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.
Funded by an MRC UK RMP II grant entitled "The development of 3-dimensional implantable liver organoid".
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.
Informal enquiries to Dr Ludovic Vallier (
[email protected]).
The closing date for applications is 20 September 2015 Interviews will take place on 6 or 7 October 2015
Please quote reference RE06968 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
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