We are looking for a highly motivated individual to join our research team devoted to develop new therapies for liver diseases 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 cells 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 and liver cells not only for cell based therapy 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 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 our 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.
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 molecular biology especially plasmid manipulations with human pluripotent stem cell culture experience is required.
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 2 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.
Previous applicants need not apply.
Informal enquiries to 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 RE07677 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
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