Laboratory of Austin Smith, Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, UK

We study the nature and regulation of pluripotency in stem cell cultures and the mammalian embryo. A major focus is the mechanics of transition from extraembryonic to embryonic lineage competence in human epiblast and pluripotent stem cells. In this project, you will investigate the process and underlying mechanisms through which human naïve stem cells progressively change lineage competence. You will study this formative transition using a combination of single cell ‘omics and focussed perturbations of signalling and transcription factors. You will have broad expertise in molecular biology, a strong interest in cell state transitions, and be motivated primarily by scientific curiosity. Prior experience with pluripotent stem cells is not essential.