Research Associate at the Human Functional Genomics Initiative

Research Associate at the Human Functional Genomics Initiative Department : Developmental Neurobiology About us

At the Centre for Developmental Neurobiology (CDN), we investigate the mechanisms governing the formation of the brain during embryonic development and in early postnatal life. Before applying for this role, please read the following information about this opportunity found below. This is based on the understanding that early experience shapes the way our brain is constructed. While the "ground plan" of the brain is genetically determined, it is also influenced by environmental experience. We are still far from a complete understanding of how these processes work. CDN is one of four departments in the School of Neuroscience at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience and is located at Guy's campus. Researchers have access to support facilities in genotyping, molecular biology and Drosophila work. CDN has close partnership with the Medical Research Council (MRC) and CDN researchers, together with clinical researchers from King's, make up the MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

About the role

We are seeking a skilled and motivated postdoctoral scientist with experience and expertise in human stem cell culture to join our UKRI-funded Functional Genomics of Human Developing Brain cluster. This project focuses on investigating loss of function mutations in genes associated with neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders through comprehensive molecular and functional profiling of cortical organoids. The Research Associate will be involved in the development and implementation of a cutting edge platform for generating brain organoids and assembloids from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and embryonic stem cells (hESCs). The successful candidate will undertake original research in the Brain Organoid Platform ensuring the highest standards of research excellence while maintaining detailed experimental records and contributing to the training of facility users. This is an exciting opportunity to develop a research project in a state of the art brain organoids platform at the forefront of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorder research. The successful candidate will join a dynamic research environment with access to cutting edge facilities and the opportunity to make significant contributions to understanding brain development and disease. This is a full time (35 Hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract until 13/05/2028.

About you Essential criteria

• PhD in Neuroscience, Developmental Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, or related field
• Extensive hands on experience with in vitro culture of neural cells, especially with the culture and maintenance of human induced pluripotent and embryonic stem cells
• Experience in molecular biology procedures (e.g. western blot, quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence RNA sequencing and cloning)
• Experience with confocal microscopy imaging techniques
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail
• Able to work independently in the design and execution of experiments

Desirable criteria

• Experience in generation and maintenance of neural organoids
• Experience using rodent experimental models in neuroscience
• Experience with single cell RNA sequencing, including sample preparation, and bioinformatics tools for the analysis of sequencing datasets
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines
• Experience in supervising and training research personnel

Grade and Salary

45,031 (for the role) and £52,514 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance

• Job ID : 155527
• Post Date : 19-Aug-2026
• Close Date : 16-Sep-2026
• Contact Person : Jeronimo Jurado
• Contact Details :

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