Applications are invited for a post-doctoral research associate position to be held jointly within Single-Cell and Computational Group of Dr John Marioni and the Stem Cell Biology of the Intestine Group of Dr Doug Winton at the CRUK Cambridge Institute. The Maroini lab pioneers new approaches for analysis of high volume/high throughput single cell data obtained by next generation sequencing platforms and in spatially mapping such data in the preimplantation embryo. The Winton lab explores the dynamics of stem and progenitor cells in normal and neoplastic settings with particular regard to to the intestine and aims to describe and understand the cellular biology of stem cells in relation to their clonal growth and the consequences of their mutation in altering clonal advantage in defined transgenic models.

Previous work in the Marioni group has shown that single cell transcript analysis combined with spatial mapping can explain emergent lineage specification in the early embryo (see e.g. Goolam et al. Cell 165:61-74 (2016)). Recently the Winton lab using whole genome sequencing has demonstrated that intestinal progenitors have a conserved programme of DNA replication timing that contains information describing specification and maintenance of the intestinal epithelium. Planned future work will focus on combining the expertise within both groups to test the notion that a barcode derived from replication timing or other chromatin associated signatures can prognostically predict intestinal stem cell multipotency. The scope of the project will span diverse in vivo and ex vivo approaches where whole genome and transcriptome sequencing will be employed leading to the derivation of testable prognostic signatures and their subsequent testing in biological assays. The primary responsibility of the post-holder will be to provide wet lab skills in processing freshly isolated or cultured epithelium for appropriate NGS analysis and in iterating experiments to derive relevant signatures. Dry lab skills in quantitative or bioinformatic analyses would be helpful.

A general experience of working with DNA, RNA and associated cell and molecular techniques would be essential, namely: RNA extraction, PCR, library preparation, ChIP, Flow sorting, manipulation of cells in tissue culture. Experience of microinjection or micromanipulation of cells would be useful.

This is an exciting opportunity to join in a multi-disciplinary approach and contribute to the development of new insights into stem cell biology. Applicants should have a PhD in a relevant scientific discipline, in-depth experience in molecular biology, quantitative genomic analysis methods and high throughput sequencing approaches. Good communication and organisational skills will be key to coordinate projects across disciplines and with other researchers in the groups and elsewhere.

Informal enquiries may be made to doug.winton@cruk.cam.ac.uk or john.marion@cruk.cam.ac.uk.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance.

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

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please visit:

http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/10448. 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 ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Closing date for receipt of completed applications is 20 June 2016.

Please quote reference SW09199 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

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