Vacancies

Mouse Primordial Germ Cells (PGCs) and their in vitro counterparts, PGC-like cells (PGCLCs), are the precursors to gametes and are a critical part of the intergenerational life cycle, specified during early embryogenesis. While PGCLCs are traditionally generated in the lab through application of specific signalling cocktails to bias cell decisions towards a germ cell state, it is becoming apparent that these techniques might not fully capture the complex feedback systems in place in the embryo that are used to specify, migrate and mature PGCs in vivo. Instead, we have used 3D mouse gastruloids as a model of early embryogenesis and see that such structures reproducibly generate PGCLCs (Cooke et al, 2023 bioRxiv).

This grant-funded role will enable a researcher to use the mouse gastruloid system as an in vitro model of PGC development, to explore their potential for further development.

The postholder will be responsible for:

• Leading their own research in an independent, organised and ambitious manner

• Compiling and analysing their data into publication-quality formats for sharing through research presentations and publications

• Contributing to a positive working lab environment, including shared lab management and admin duties, helping others with their research and promoting a friendly and supportive atmosphere

• Driving their own professional development, by engaging with the community, pursuing new training opportunities and learning new techniques

Postdoctoral Fellows will lead their own projects, contribute to other projects on a collaborative basis (both in the lab and with external collaborators) and may guide PhD students in their research. The ability to work in a team is essential.