Work experience / Metabolism and brain development

The environment that we develop in, as an embryo and fetus, shapes the way our adult body works and has long-term effects on our health throughout life. One of our research goals is to figure out how stressful challenges in the growth environment - such as a poor diet or low oxygen - affect the metabolism of the developing brain. This is important for understanding how best to safeguard the health of our brain from potentially damaging environmental stresses and also from diseases linked to metabolic imbalances. Most of the genes involved in metabolism are shared across the animal kingdom from humans to insects. Therefore, as well as studying cells from humans and mice, we make use of fruit flies as a genetically amenable model organism in combination with a range of genetic, cellular and microscopy techniques to learn more about human health and disease.

The successful student would ideally be interested biology and lab work. 

It is expected that all students accepted for a placement at the Crick are punctual, responsible, show a willingness to learn, listen to advice and act on feedback. For this placement in particular, the student should also:

• Have a good attention to detail
• Be proactive
• Be a team player
• Be inquisitive