Research Assistant (Stem Cell)

The post holder will be involved in a multi-centre project aimed at generating and validating a novel stem cell resource, available to researchers across the UK, of multiple human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) lines, generated from autopsy samples, with the capacity to generate brain organoids. The project will initially involve the validation of hiPSC lines, using a combination of molecular and cellular approaches. Subsequently, the ability of each hiPSC line to generate brain organoids will be characterised using a series of functional, cellular and molecular approaches. In collaboration with researchers at the University of Exeter, you will also be involved in generating a comprehensive genomic profiling of brain organoids and their comparison with matched post-mortem tissue. Research will focus specifically, but not exclusively, on growing and characterising brain organoids from multiple hiPSC lines. You will be expected to carry out routine experiments required for these studies, including (but not limited to) grow and manipulate hiPSC and brain organoids using aseptic techniques; and techniques, including immunocytochemistry, microscopy, biochemistry and molecular biology. You will also be required to be able to maintain a high level of detailed records, stocks and inventory of hiPSCs and organoids and will also be expected to work with researchers within the group, including PhD students and post-doctoral fellows. Experience of working with hiPSCs/stem cells is essential.