Reptile Research Assistant

Job Description

Unlike humans that have limited tooth replacement, many other vertebrates are polyphyodonty, meaning they have continuous tooth replacement throughout their lifetime. The corn snake, Pantherophis guttatus, is an exceptional polyphyodont model organism used to study continuous tooth replacement. At King?s College London, we are fortunate to have a complete series of corn snake embryos, from when the eggs have been laid to when they hatch: 0-60 days post-oviposition. The aim of this project is to image tooth development and replacement patterns of the corn snake in 2D using histological and immunohistochemistry, and in 3D using microCT scanning combined with Lugol?s Iodine staining, a technique known as diceCT. Snake tissue will be histological sectioned, and undergo trichrome staining or immunohistochemistry to look at gene expression patterns. Snake tissue will also be stained with Lugol's Iodine and microCT scanned, and carry out digital segmentation in the program Amira to produce 3D models of resulting phenotypes. The research assistant will carry out a mix of these techniques, to help collect high quality data for publication. The research assistant will also benefit from being part of a vibrant and accomplished lab group, which will support their development of research and professional skills, including working in a team, participating in discussions, reviewing the literature, project planning, and problem-solving.

Bachelor's Degree in Science or similar

• Animal handling
• Histological sectioning
• Trichrome Staining
• Immunohistochemistry
• Knowledge of dental anatomy
• microCT scanning
• 3D modelling (Amira/Avizo software)
• Lab safety