About Us

Located in the Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine at Guy’s Hospital (London, UK), the Sancho Lab focuses in studying molecular cues behind cell fate decisions in pancreas. Our main goal in the lab is to decipher the fundamental regulatory networks involved in pancreatic cell fate decisions using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and to apply this knowledge to new strategies in regenerative medicine for diabetes. We are seeking for a Research Associate to join the team and work on a project to study the regulation of cell fate decisions using iPSCs.  

About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled postdoctoral researcher with a strong background in stem cell biology, particularly in the directed differentiation of human iPSCs into pancreatic beta cells. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated expertise in molecular biology techniques such as CRISPR-mediated genome editing to generate stable cell lines, qPCR, RNA sequencing, western blotting, and immunofluorescence. Experience with 3D culture systems or organoids is also required.

The successful candidate will have a track record of productivity supported by high-quality publications. They will be expected to contribute to the supervision and training of students, actively participate in lab meetings, and present their research effectively at national and international conferences.

This is a full time position (35 hours per week) and you will be offered a fixed-term contract until 5th June 2026.  This position requires full-time on-site work.

About You

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1. PhD in Biosciences (Diabetes related field) *
2. Expertise in iPSCs differentiation to beta cells
3. Experience in iPSC-derived organoid cultures
4. High quality publications in diabetes related field
5. Expertise in Molecular Biology (qPCR, RNAseq and Western Blot)
6. Experience in presenting work in conferences / symposiums
7. Experience training junior members of the lab

* Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6. 

Desirable criteria

1. Knowledge cell fate therapies strategies for diabetes
2. Basic knowledge coding / R
3. Public engagement activities

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the next page after you click “Apply Now”. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

Further Information

We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community.

We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King's.

As part of this commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and through this appointment process, it is our aim to develop candidate pools that include applicants from all backgrounds and communities.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ‘How we Recruit’ pages.

Interviews are due to be held by end of April 2025.

We are able to offer sponsorship for candidates who do not currently possess the right to work in the UK.

This post is subject to Occupational Health clearance.

Grade and Salary: £44,355 - £46,671 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance

Job ID: 113106

Close Date: 22-Apr-2025

Contact Person: Rocio Sancho

Contact Details: rocio.sancho@kcl.ac.uk