A  two year Wellcome Trust funded postdoctoral position is available in the laboratory of Dr Meritxell Huch at the Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge. We are seeking an enthusiastic postdoctoral candidate with a strong mouse genetics and epigenetics background. The focus of our group is stem cell and cancer research. The successful candidate will be involved in investigating the molecular mechanism that regulates stem cell activation in the regenerating liver.

We have recently described how, in the adult liver, the Wnt target Lgr5 marks a new population of stem/progenitor cells that gets activated upon damage and contributes to the regeneration of the tissue and reinstall homeostasis (Huch et al., Nature, 2013). Interestingly, these stem cells establish long-lived primary organoid cultures that can be differentiated into functional hepatocytes in vitro and in vivo, upon transplantation. We aim to identify the molecular mechanisms behind the activation of these progenitor cells during the damage-regeneration response and their potential implication in liver cancer.

Suitable candidates will have a relevant degree in biological sciences, a PhD degree in biomedical sciences (or similar) and a proven scientific track record and research publications in internationally recognized peer-reviewed journals. Knowledge of mouse genetics and an epigenetics background are essential. Bioinformatics skills and primary tissue culture experience would be desirable.

The Gurdon Institute is located in the heart of the city of Cambridge, and is part of the University's School of Biological Sciences. It is a world-renowned centre in developmental and cellular biology and cancer research. Supported by funding from the Wellcome Trust and Cancer Research UK, it benefits from state-of-the-art facilities including bioinformatics, media preparation and animal husbandry. It provides the best atmosphere for research and a vibrant environment that facilitates the interactions and collaborations between scientists within the Centre and within Cambridge. Its postdoc association not only encourages scientific and social interactions but also provides career development and teaching opportunities.

Applications should be submitted via the online application facility.

Limited funding: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

This will take you to the role on the University's Job Opportunities pages. There you will need to click on the 'Apply online' button and register an account with the University's Web Recruitment System (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.

Please quote reference PR02408 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity.

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