Post-doc in Molecular Developmental and Cancer Biology

We wish to recruit an ambitious, self-motivated Research Associate (Post-Doc) to join our interdisciplinary research group studying the control of cell-state transitions, which are important for normal development and are deregulated in cancer.

The specific aim of the project is to apply a dynamic systems framework to understand cell plasticity in the context of Development and/or Cancer.  The successful applicant will have excellent molecular expertise as outlined in the person specification and will be interested in developing gene expression manipulation tools and/or live reporters of gene expression.

The post is funded by the Wellcome Trust and is available fixed term until 31st March 2026. Candidates must hold a PhD in a Biological discipline, including Cancer Biology, Developmental Biology or Stem Cell Biology.

Background/About the Research in Prof. Papalopulu’s Lab

We are a vibrant, collegial and ambitious interdisciplinary team of experimentalists and theoreticians. We study the control of cell-state transitions which are important for normal development and are deregulated in cancer. Our approaches involve both fixed single-cell absolute quantitation of mRNA and protein, as well as live imaging of dynamic gene expression at the single-cell level, generated by CRISPR/Cas9 knock-in reporters. We have an excellent track record of promoting careers of post-doctoral associates in academia and related sectors.

More information about us can be found in

https://papalopululab.wordpress.com/

Overall Purpose of the Role

The specific aim of the project is to apply a dynamic systems framework to understand cell plasticity in the context of Development and/or Cancer. This is the process whereby cells dynamically and reversibly switch states, giving rise to dynamic non-genetic heterogeneity. This is part of normal Development but in a cancer context it has been identified as one of nine Cancer Grand Challenges. We aim to understand how plasticity arises, how often cells switch states, what are the implications for the emergence of therapy resistant/quiescent cells and how we can control it. The successful applicant will have excellent molecular expertise as outlined in the person specification and will be interested in developing gene expression manipulation tools and/or live reporters of gene expression. You will be based in Prof. Papalopulu’s lab and will work alongside a mathematician RPDA.

We welcome applicants from the fields of Developmental and/or Stem Cell Biology and/or Cancer Biology.

Essential Skills, Knowledge and Experience

• Hold (or expect to hold shortly) a PhD in a Biological Discipline, including Cancer Biology, Developmental Biology or Stem Cell Biology.

• At least one first author primary research publication in an International journal in the last 5 years

• Excellent technical skills, with specific expertise in cutting edge Molecular Biology, such as Fluoresent In Situ Hybridisation, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, genotyping and advanced cloning methods (e.g. Gibson assembly, Gateway).

• Experience in manipulating gene expression, including viral transductions, knock-outs and inducible systems.

• Experience in tissue culture, nucleofection, FACS sorting and generation of clonal lines.

• Proven ability to work independently

• Good written and spoken English

Please apply via the University of Manchester Jobs Link

https://www.jobs.manchester.ac.uk/Job/JobDetail?JobId=28055