This Form Summarises the Purpose of the Job and Lists Its Key Tasks s4

JOB DESCRIPTION

This form summarises the purpose of the job and lists its key tasks. It may be varied from time to time at the discretion of the College in consultation with the postholder.

Job Title: Postdoctoral Researcher Associate Job ref no: CBS/0117/16

Grade: 6 Department: Comparative Biomedical Sciences

Accountable to: Dr. Abir Mukherjee Responsible for: N/A

Job summary: The aims of this project are to: (1) determine the mechanism for the increase in Sertoli cell numbers in FSTL3 KO mouse testes, (2) examine whether testis specific or postnatal deletion of FSTL3 leads to increased testicular size and function and (3) elucidate signalling and transcriptional pathways underlying the increased testicular size in FSTL3 KO mice. This research will reveal mechanisms in place to limit Sertoli cell numbers and testicular structure and function.

Competency: Key tasks: The post holder will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the experimental work associated with the project as well as produce deliverables in terms of conference presentations, preparation of manuscripts for publication and public engagement activites. More specifically, duties will include:  Working closely with the BSU technicians at Camden to maintain FSTL3 KO, FSTL3 conditional and cre::FLOX mouse colonies required for the project.  Experimentation with these mice (genotyping, dissection and isolation of tissues).  Phenotype analysis using cell and molecular biology techniques (sperm analyses, histology, immunohistochemistry/ fluorescence, TUNEL assays, western blotting, RNA work, RT-PCR and flow cytometric analysis).  Maintaining cultures of testicular cells derived from biopsies and testicular cell lines.  Gamete culture and scoring for gamete fitness and embryo development.  Analysing the proliferation, apoptosis and signalling properties of these cells, with or without growth factor stimulation, using cell and molecular biological techniques.  Using bioinformatics to analyse gene expression array data.  Analysis of experimental data, using SPSS or equivalent, preparation of reports, abstracts and manuscripts for submission and presentation of data at scientific meetings.  Attending regular meetings with project supervisor.  Participating in College activities such as seminar series, training workshops, lab meetings and journal clubs  Working collaboratively with other members of the team and other investigators both inside and outside of the RVC. Flexibility: To deliver services effectively, a degree of flexibility is needed, and the post holder may be required to perform work not specifically referred to above.