Research Assistant (Bulstrode Lab) (Fixed Term) at University of Cambridge
Job Description
Applications are invited for a Research Assistant position in the group of Dr Harry Bulstrode within the Wellcome ¿ MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute (CSCI) based at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. The Wellcome – Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute is an international centre of excellence for stem cell research and regenerative medicine. Scientists in the Institute collaborate to advance our knowledge of various stem cell types and to perform pioneering work in translational research areas, providing the foundation for new medical treatments (https://www.stemcells.cam.ac.uk/).
The Bulstrode Lab studies neural stem cells and their microenvironment in brain development, regeneration and cancer (Bulstrode et al., Genes & Development 2017). We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Research Assistant to join our research group. The successful candidate will be working with state-of-the-art experimental model systems including assay in primary patient brain tissue organotypic slice culture, magnetic antibody-sorted primary patient brain cell fractions, and primary patient-derived cell lines. The project will be focusing on genetic manipulation and gene therapy targeting of the brain myeloid microenvironment. An overarching long term aim is to translate our basic science towards novel treatments for targeted stereotactic brain delivery in patients with malignant brain tumours, Parkinson’s and more. You will be responsible for pursuing your personal research objectives, alongside limited day-to-day lab administrative/ organisational duties as below. Experience or understanding of mammalian cell culture, mouse genetic models or computational analysis would be an advantage. It is essential that the successful candidate can work both independently and as part of a research team, having good communication and organisational skills.
Responsibilities/duties
– Undertake basic research projects and plan day-to-day research activity within the framework of the agreed research programme.
– Must be familiar with or have the capacity to become quickly familiar with standard research techniques and methods such as PCR and cell culture.
– Analyse and interpret the results of own research and prepare data for presentations.
– Present information on research progress and outcomes.
– Contribute to the planning of research projects.
– Represent the research group at meetings/seminars, either with other members of the group or alone.
– Maintenance of human tissue storage and record-keeping arrangements in liaison with Dr. Bulstrode.
– Maintenance of safety records.
– Coordinate and maintain ordering for the lab.
– Coordination and oversight of laboratory duty rotas and ordering of supplies.
– Liaise with colleagues and students on routine matters as well as make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding.
– Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on specific techniques and may assist in the supervision of student projects.
– Carry out collaborative projects with colleagues in partner institutions, and research groups.
Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Dr. Harry Bulstrode, hb252@cam.ac.uk
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 1 February 2025 in the first instance.
