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 basal lung cells (ii) to improve CRIPSR/Cas9 technology to correct genomic mutation inducing Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and (iii) demonstrate that the resulting cells can be used for disease modelling and for cell based therapy in the context of CF. This project is funded by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation a on profit organisation established to cure and to control CF. This project is related to our previous work on the production of lung cells from human pluripotent stem cells (Hannan et al., Stem Cell and development 2015) and recent technical developments generated by our group.
The successful candidate will be a focused individual with a desire to work in an interesting research environment and to participate in excellent publications. Good organiaational, analytical, and communication skills are essential.
Qualifications and experience: PhD or equivalent and a strong background in human pluripotent stem cell culture is required.
The role holder will also assist with grant administration and the writing of reports for funding bodies. Contribution to supervision will include participation in the research group PhD training and mentoring programme. The role holder will participate in the overall contribution of the department/faculty, as appropriate.
Fixed term: The funds for this post are available until 31 December 2017 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 15 July 2016.
Please quote reference RE09382 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
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