Research Fellow

About us

This position is part of an interdisciplinary project to create new tools to manipulate cell and tissue mechanics. The aim is to design a versatile optogenetic toolbox that will allow the control of cell and tissue shape for synthetic biology and regenerative medicine applications. During embryonic development, tissues undergo a series of complex shape changes controlled by genetic patterning. These shape changes result from regulation of active forces generated by the cells. We propose to harness the natural signalling participating in tissue morphogenesis to generate optogenetic actuators that will allow the control of cell and tissue mechanics with light. Concurrently with this, we are developing conceptual approaches that allow the rational design of light stimulation to obtain any chosen tissue shape. For more information visit: https://charraslab.com/ The London Centre for Nanotechnology is a UK-based multidisciplinary enterprise operating at the forefront of science and technology. Our purpose is to solve global problems in information processing, healthcare, energy and the environment through the application of nanoscience and nanotechnology. Founded in 2003, the LCN began as a joint venture between University College London and Imperial College London, based at the Bloomsbury and South Kensington sites; from 2018 King's College London joined the collaboration from its base on The Strand. The LCN occupies a purpose-built eight storey facility in Gordon Street, Bloomsbury (opened in 2006) as well as extensive facilities within different departments at South Kensington and The Strand. The Centre’s experimental research is supported by leading-edge modelling, visualisation and theory through its access to state-of-the-art clean-room, characterisation, fabrication, manipulation and design laboratories.

About the role

This position is part of a project to create new tools to manipulate cell and tissue mechanics. The aim is to design a versatile optogenetic toolbox that will allow the control of cell and tissue shape for synthetic biology and regenerative medicine applications. During embryonic development, tissues undergo a series of complex shape changes controlled by genetic patterning. These shape changes result from regulation of active forces generated by the cells. We propose to harness the natural signalling participating in tissue morphogenesis to generate optogenetic actuators that will allow the control of cell and tissue mechanics with light. Concurrently with this, we are developing conceptual approaches that allow the rational design of light stimulation to obtain any chosen tissue shape. The project will generate a versatile set of cutting edge tools for use in the wider scientific community with applications to regenerative medicine, disease modelling, and synthetic biology. This research position is a short-term post funded for 9 months and the preferred start date for this position is 01/04/2023.

About you

The role holder will be responsible for generating new optogenetics actuators using molecular cloning, generating stable cell lines expressing these actuators, and validating the action of the actuators using live confocal microscopy imaging. The candidate will also participate in experiments to characterize the mechanical changes induced by actuators. The candidate will be required to analyse experimental data, and participate in the design of experiments.

What we offer

What we offer As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below: · 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days) · Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme · Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE) · Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan · Immigration loan · Relocation scheme for certain posts · On-Site nursery · On-site gym · Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay · Employee assistance programme · Staff Support Service · Discounted medical insurance Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more. Informal enquiries regarding the vacancy can be made to Professor Guillaume Charras, g.charras@ucl.ac.uk

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. Our department holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality. You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality/