Job Description

Job description

A Postdoctoral Research Associate position (PDRA) is available in the Trophoblast and Human Embryo Lab situated in the Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine at King\'s College London. The post holder will support the research lead by Dr Norah Fogarty which seeks to understand the molecular processes that govern early placenta development in the human. Our goal is to identify signalling pathways active during trophectoderm and trophoblast differentiation and to determine their functional role in cell proliferation, gene expression and embryo development. This work will further our basic understanding of human biology which in turn could inform our understanding and treatment of infertility and placenta diseases such as miscarriage, preeclampsia, and intrauterine growth restriction.

In order to do so, we leverage

• Human preimplantation embryos, genetics and quantitative confocal imaging

• 2D and 3D in vitro culture model systems and live imaging to model development

The Fogarty lab offers: the opportunity to develop your academic career; stable funding and state-of-the-art resources to conduct cutting edge research in placenta development using human stem cell-based models and human embryos; family-friendly work culture; the possibility to work closely with clinicians, and public engagement officers to drive a focussed programme of public outreach.

This full-time position (100% FTE) is available immediately for a period of 3 years.

Post to start no later than 2nd October 2023

Your qualifications

The candidate should hold a recent PhD in a relevant discipline, or be awaiting viva examination, with at least one first author publication. The candidate should be familiar with stem cell culture, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing and scRNA-seq. Ideally we seek a person with experience in organoid culture and mammalian embryo handling. Experience with live imaging and light-sheet microscopy is advantageous.

Flexibility, conscientiousness, good interpersonal and organizational skills are required.

Excellent EU and international candidates are welcome to apply.

Please submit your complete application including a cover letter indicating the motivation to apply for this specific position, a CV including publication record, a description of previous research accomplishments (

This post will be offered on a fixed term for 3 years. Post to start no later than 2nd October 2023

This is a full-time post - 100% full time equivalent.- Click or tap here to enter text.

Key responsibilities

Undertake original biomedical research as an integral member of a group working on embryo and placenta development, using human stem cells, organoids and embryos.

• Analyse signalling pathway activity and function using small molecule inhibitors, fluorescent reporters, high resolution imaging and spatial transcriptomics.
• Assist, supervise and train other members of the group, including students and other research staff in their application in related lab projects
• Manage project progress and set goals for achievement of project aims in collaboration with team leader including the execution of literature reviews, data collection and analysis, and report
• Prepare reports on results for verbal and multimedia presentations at regular lab meetings, departmental seminars, national and international meetings
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer review journals or book chapters
• Facilitate collaboration and networking, which engages and supports the activities of this research
• Communicate and collaborate with other members of the team and Centre
• Maintain up-to-date, accurate and comprehensive laboratory notes

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

Skills, knowledge, and experience

Essential criteria

1. PhD (awarded or near completion) in Biological Sciences or related discipline

2. Hands on expertise in cell culture

3. General web-lab skills including molecular biology techniques

4. Expertise in imaging acquisition and data analysis (live-imaging, confocal, multiphoton microscopy)

5. Strong computing skills

6. Track record of publishing in the research area

7. Excellent communication (oral and written) skills

8. Self-motivated, with the ability to work under pressure & to meet deadlines

9. Working and designing experiments independently, excellent record keeping

10. Ability to supervise, work and integrate with others in the laboratory

Desirable criteria

11. Expertise in human reproductive biology

12. Experience in high resolution live-imaging and/or light sheet microscopy

13. Experience in the use of imaging analysis software (Image J, Imaris, MATLAB, machine learning)

Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.

Further information

Please submit your complete application including a cover letter indicating the motivation to apply for this specific position, a CV including publication record, a description of previous research accomplishments (

Times Higher Education