Lab Manager

Research in the Prudent’s Lab

Mitochondria form a dynamic and interconnected network that is constantly remodelled through cycles of membrane fission and fusion. These dynamic transitions are essential for maintaining mitochondrial function and enabling cells to respond to changing physiological and metabolic demands (1, 2). Mitochondrial membrane remodelling regulates a wide range of cellular processes, from metabolism (3) to the mitochondrial (mt)DNA life cycle (4). This includes the release of mtDNA into the cytosol to activate inflammation (5), as well as he selective degradation of mitochondrial compartments and mtDNA (6).

To perform their cellular functions, mitochondria also establish membrane contact sites with several organelles, including the endoplasmic reticulum, peroxisomes, trans-Golgi network vesicles and lysosomes (7) (8). These contact sites act as hotspots for metabolite flux and tightly regulate mitochondrial architecture and function.

Although defects in mitochondrial morphology and organelle contact sites are associated with human diseases, the molecular mechanisms linking mitochondrial membrane remodelling to cell fate decisions remain incompletely understood.

The Prudent lab combines advanced cell biology, molecular biology and high-resolution microscopy approaches to investigate how mitochondrial membrane remodelling and inter-organelle communication regulate mitochondrial function, mtDNA dynamics, cellular homeostasis and disease.

The position

We are seeking a highly motivated Laboratory Manager with a strong scientific background and a keen interest in laboratory organisation and research management. The successful candidate will play a central role in the daily operation of the laboratory while also contributing experimentally to research projects.

This position would suit an organised, collaborative and proactive scientist who enjoys supporting a research team, coordinating multiple activities and helping to advance ambitious scientific projects.

Key responsibilities

The Laboratory Manager will:

· Coordinate the day-to-day organisation and operation of the laboratory;

· Prepare and maintain communal reagents, stocks and laboratory resources;

· Manage laboratory orders, including quotations, supplier registration, purchasing, delivery follow-up and inventories;

· Receive, organise and distribute laboratory reagents, consumables and equipment;

· Liaise closely with postdoctoral researchers, PhD students and other laboratory members to support their research projects;

· Contribute experimentally to selected research projects;

· Perform molecular and cellular biology experiments, including molecular cloning, mammalian cell culture, generation of stable cell lines, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout generation and immunoblotting;

· Assist with the maintenance and coordination of key laboratory equipment;

· Participate in monitoring the laboratory budget and research expenditure;

· Support recruitment processes and the integration of new laboratory members;

· Contribute to the preparation and implementation of laboratory procedures, regulatory documentation and institutional requirements;

· Promote effective communication, collaboration and good laboratory practice across the team.

Relevant references from the lab

1. L. Tilokani, S. Nagashima, V. Paupe, J. Prudent, Mitochondrial dynamics: overview of molecular mechanisms. Essays Biochem 62, 341-360 (2018).

2. L. C. Tabara, M. Segawa, J. Prudent, Molecular mechanisms of mitochondrial dynamics. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 26, 123-146 (2025).

3. L. Tilokani et al., AMPK-dependent phosphorylation of MTFR1L regulates mitochondrial morphology. Sci Adv 8, eabo7956 (2022).

4. L. C. Tabara, J. Prudent, Emerging mechanisms of genome degradation during the mtDNA life cycle. Nat Cell Biol 28, 643-646 (2026).

5. V. Zecchini et al., Fumarate induces vesicular release of mtDNA to drive innate immunity. Nature 615, 499-506 (2023).

6. L. C. Tabara et al., MTFP1 controls mitochondrial fusion to regulate inner membrane quality control and maintain mtDNA levels. Cell 187, 3619-3637 e3627 (2024).

7. L. C. Tabara, J. L. Morris, J. Prudent, The Complex Dance of Organelles during Mitochondrial Division. Trends Cell Biol 31, 241-253 (2021).

8. S. Nagashima et al., Golgi-derived PI(4)P-containing vesicles drive late steps of mitochondrial division. Science 367, 1366-1371 (2020).

Key responsibilities

The Laboratory Manager will:

· Coordinate the day-to-day organisation and operation of the laboratory;

· Prepare and maintain communal reagents, stocks and laboratory resources;

· Manage laboratory orders, including quotations, supplier registration, purchasing, delivery follow-up and inventories;

· Receive, organise and distribute laboratory reagents, consumables and equipment;

· Liaise closely with postdoctoral researchers, PhD students and other laboratory members to support their research projects;

· Contribute experimentally to selected research projects;

· Perform molecular and cellular biology experiments, including molecular cloning, mammalian cell culture, generation of stable cell lines, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout generation and immunoblotting;

· Assist with the maintenance and coordination of key laboratory equipment;

· Participate in monitoring the laboratory budget and research expenditure;

· Support recruitment processes and the integration of new laboratory members;

· Contribute to the preparation and implementation of laboratory procedures, regulatory documentation and institutional requirements;

· Promote effective communication, collaboration and good laboratory practice across the team.