Postdoctoral Research Associate in Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine

About us

KCL Centre for Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine (CGTRM) is a premier research institution for the study of tissue regeneration with next-generation cellular and genetic therapeutics. Within the Centre, the Lieberam group investigates nerve muscle connectivity and disease that affect neuromuscular circuits, using human iPSC-based tissue culture models as their primary experimental system.

Together with the groups of Prof Wenhui Song (UCL) and Dr Daniel Fazakerley (University of Cambridge), we are developing a human iPSC-based model of skeletal muscle myofibers and innervating neurons. Our aim is to uncover the disease mechanisms underlying the loss of insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake by muscle, a key cause of to type 2 diabetes in humans.

About the role

This role is for a qualified and experienced scientist who has been working in an academic or commercial research laboratory/company related to the differentiation of human iPSC into different cell lineages, and the assembly of complex tissue culture models from these cellular elements. The cells used in this experimental system will be genetically modified such that cellular functions like glucose transporter trafficking can be visualized. We will study these circuits by immunocytochemistry and live cells imaging, in close collaboration with members of the partner groups at UCL and University of Cambridge. The aim of the project is to establish a co-culture system that can be used to evaluate the impact of environmental and genetic factors on metabolic abnormalities that cause type 2 diabetes in humans, and to test potential therapeutics that stop or reverse the disease process.

The purpose of the role is to provide subject-specific research expertise to, and undertake specific research work for the Principal Investigator (PI) and their research team for the project aimed at modelling glucose uptake by skeletal muscle with human iPSC-derived neuromuscular circuits.

The post holder will contribute to the plan to deliver technical innovation and lead specified work packages developing the experimental plan with Dr Lieberam and other members of the team, and allocating resources to the tasks within the plan. To ensure successful development of the cellular model and progress towards understanding insulin resistance, the candidate requires a strong background/knowledge of human iPSC culture, in vitro differentiation, and imaging technology, such as confocal microscopy. In addition, they also require excellent interpersonal skills to work within and across a diverse and interdisciplinary team.

This post will be offered on a fixed-term contract until 31st Jan 2027 in the first instance. This position is a full-time role (100% FTE). This position requires full-time on-site work.

This is a full-time post - 100% full time equivalent.

Contact details: Ivo Lieberam. Ivo.lieberam@kcl.ac.uk

Closing date: 13 January 2025.

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