Research Associate – Single cell and nuclear Transcriptomics

Research Overview:	Parkinson’s disease is a clinically and biologically heterogeneous neurodegenerative disorder. It is the second most common neurodegenerative disease globally and represents one of the fastest growing neurological disorders in terms of prevalence and disability burden. Emerging evidence suggests that somatic genomic variation and clonal evolution in the brain may contribute to neuronal and synaptic vulnerability. Building on previous work involving whole-genome sequencing and detection of low-frequency somatic variants, this project aims to systematically characterise the genetic landscape and clonal architecture of brain cells in PD in the Indian population using post-mortem brain tissue. In addition, the project also aims to investigate the heterogeneity of blood and brain cell populations using PBMCs and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived brain organoids from PD patients and healthy controls through Single Cell Transcriptomics. We are looking out for a motivated and skilled Research Associate to join an interdisciplinary research project focused on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying Parkinson’s disease (PD). The project integrates genomics, single-cell and single-nucleus transcriptomics, stem cell biology, and bioinformatics approaches to investigate somatic genomic variation, clonal evolution, and cellular heterogeneity to better understand the cellular and molecular basis of PD in Indian population. The specialized skills we are seeking in candidates include expertise in single-cell/nucleus sequencing, flow cytometry, single cell sorting, and molecular biology techniques.
1. Key Responsibilities	Experimental and Technical Responsibilities Isolation of nuclei from in vitro cultured cells and fresh frozen post-mortem brain tissue Flow Cytometry and Sorting – proficient in handling flow cytometers such as BD Fortessa and Sorters such as BD FACSAria Proficient in flow cytometry and cell sorting software, such as BD FACSDiva and FlowJo Preparation of samples for single-nucleus sequencing Single-cell isolation using the 10x Genomics Chromium platform Library preparation Conducting molecular biology experiments: Western blotting Immunostaining and confocal imaging DNA/RNA extraction Support sequencing workflows including: Library preparation Quality control Coordination and familiarity with sequencing platforms such as NextSeq and NovaSeq Research and Collaboration Participate in experimental design, data interpretation, and protocol development Maintain accurate laboratory records, documentation, and experimental reports Contribute to preparation of presentations, manuscripts, and scientific communications Collaborate closely with clinicians, bioinformaticians, and interdisciplinary research teams Ensure adherence to laboratory safety, quality assurance, and regulatory standards Eager to learn new techniques and stay updated with emerging technologies in the field Strong team player with excellent collaboration and interpersonal skills
2. Desired Additional Skills	Experience in mammalian cell culture Basic bioinformatics Familiarity with R and/or Python Understanding of basic brain anatomy
3. Eligibility:	PhD candidates with 0–2 years of post-PhD experience, or MSc candidates with 4 years of relevant experience in single-cell transcriptomics, genomics, molecular biology, and flow cytometry PhD holders with more than 2 years of experience will not be considered for this position Candidates with a PhD must have at least two first-author publications, while candidates with a Master’s degree must have at least more than two co-authored publications
5. Letter of Reference:	A letter of reference from your guide/supervisor may be requested during the final round of the interview process.
6. Relevant References:	Bernstein, Nicholas, Michael Spencer Chapman, Kudzai Nyamondo, Zhenghao Chen, Nicholas Williams, Emily Mitchell, Peter J Campbell, Robert L Cohen, and Jyoti Nangalia. 2024. “Analysis of Somatic Mutations in Whole Blood from 200,618 Individuals Identifies Pervasive Positive Selection and Novel Drivers of Clonal Hematopoiesis.” Nature Genetics 56 (6): 1147–55. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41588-024-01755-1. Kapadia, Chiraag D, Nicholas Williams, Kevin J Dawson, Caroline Watson, Matthew J Yousefzadeh, Duy Le, Kudzai Nyamondo, et al. 2025. “Clonal Dynamics and Somatic Evolution of Haematopoiesis in Mouse.” Nature 641 (8063): 681–89. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-08625-8. Lobon, Irene, Manuel Solís-Moruno, David Juan, Ashraf Muhaisen, Federico Abascal, Paula Esteller-Cucala, Raquel García-Pérez, et al. 2022. “Somatic Mutations Detected in Parkinson Disease Could Affect Genes with a Role in Synaptic and Neuronal Processes.” Frontiers in Aging 3 (April): 851039. https://doi.org/10.3389/fragi.2022.851039. Andrews, Shan V., et al. “The Genetic Drivers of Juvenile, Young, and Early-Onset Parkinson’s Disease in India.” Movement Disorders, vol. 39, no. 2, Feb. 2024, pp. 339–49, doi:10.1002/mds.29676. Bhatia, Divisha, et al. “T-Cell Dysregulation Is Associated with Disease Severity in Parkinson’s Disease.” Journal of Neuroinflammation, vol. 18, no. 1, Oct. 2021, p. 250, doi:10.1186/s12974-021-02296-8.
7. To apply:	Interested candidates should apply to this posting with a CV detailing work experience, technical skills and publications within 31st June 2026 Interested and eligible candidates may send their updated CV to careers@skanrt.in Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the interview. Please note that Annual Salary (CTC) will be commensurate with available skills and fitment of the incumbent as per the selection process.