Research Associate (Fixed Term)
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position working with Professor Frank Jiggins at the Department of Genetics in central Cambridge, and in collaboration with Professor Jim Kaufman at the University of Edinburgh. The successful candidate will conduct fundamental research aimed at understanding the evolution of MHC genes in natural populations of rabbits following a pandemic of the myxoma virus.
The project takes advantage of past work that has both characterised how rabbit populations evolved in response to myxomatosis, and described the Class I MHC genes in the rabbit genome. The post holder will investigate how the properties of MHC molecules changed as populations evolved resistance to the virus. By expressing MHC molecules that were common before and after the pandemic in cells, we aim to examine how their properties changed as resistance evolved.
The project will involve close collaboration with PhD students and collaborators working on the same project. The post requires creative candidates who are enthusiastic about taking experimental approaches to understand the evolution of MHC in nature from a functional perspective. We particularly encourage applications from candidates with a background in immunology and experience using techniques such as flow cytometry, cell culture and next generation sequencing. It will be advantageous to have previously worked on MHC.
The work will suit a researcher who holds, or is about to be awarded, a PhD in a relevant field.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 May 2024 in the first instance.
We particularly welcome applications from women and/or candidates from Black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our University.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Informal enquiries are welcome and should be direct to Professor Frank Jiggins fmj1001@cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference PC36911 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Further information
Research Assistant in Mammalian Epigenetics (Fixed Term)
Applications are invited for a Research Assistant position working in the Group of Dr Michael Imbeault at the Department of Genetics in central Cambridge.
This is a varied and interesting role supporting research on the mechanisms through which transposable elements and their epigenetic controllers participate in the evolution of gene regulatory networks of primates and mammals. This is an ideal opportunity for a motivated scientist wishing to develop their research skills in mammalian epigenetics within a world-class research environment.
The successful applicant will be responsible for carrying out laboratory-based tasks supporting research for projects linked to pancreas development and inflammation. The ideal applicant will be comfortable using techniques such as cell culture, lentiviral vector production, molecular cloning, genetic and epigenetic manipulation of cells using CRISPR/Cas9, chromatin immunoprecipitation and NGS library preparation (training will be provided where necessary).
The duties of the role will include:
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General laboratory management (ordering equipment, instrument calibration, sample/reagent inventories, etc.)
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Assisting in the training of students and other members of the laboratory
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Providing technical support for a variety of research projects
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Ensuring research is carried out in accordance with good practice and in compliance with local polices and legal requirements
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Developing and validating new protocols
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Contributing to laboratory-wide discussions on developments within the field
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Using an electronic lab book to carefully record own lab work
There will also be the opportunity to lead your own sub-project (subject to level of skills and experience).
This is an important role for the group requiring someone who is well organised with good communication skills and the ability to work well with staff and students at all levels.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 March 2027 in the first instance.
We particularly welcome applications from women and /or candidates from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our University.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Informal enquiries are welcome and should be directed to Dr Michael Imbeault mi339@cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference PC36656 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Further information
Microscopy Specialist (two roles available)
Applications are invited for two newly created Microscopy Specialist positions working across the Departments of the School of Biological Sciences (SBS) to underpin these world-class microscopy facilities. The aim of these roles is to maximise the efficient and effective delivery of research projects by providing high level microscopy support, advice, training and maintenance, and to increase access to specialist facilities and equipment.
The role holders will be responsible for delivering vital microscopy training and support for a diverse group of scientists spanning disciplines across SBS. Initially this will be focussed on 8 departments on the Downing and Old Addenbrooke's sites in central Cambridge, however the number of departments/institutes supported may increase over time. The roles' remit will range from supporting and advising first-time users to those with substantial previous experience of microscopy, as well as performing regular maintenance of light microscopes.
The roles are critical to the School of Biological Sciences' research vision objective of enhancing the physical infrastructure (including increasing the programme of maintenance and refurbishment), as well as centralising support for facilities, such as imaging. The roles will also address two of the SBS Research Themes aims, including promoting collaboration and interaction across traditional Departmental boundaries and removing barriers to access research facilities by standardising training.
The roles will initially be hosted in the Department of Genetics, working in close collaboration with a team of imaging experts at the Cambridge Advanced Imaging Centre (CAIC). To ensure that microscopy training, advice, and equipment access across SBS is at the cutting edge of light microscopy technology, the postholders will also be supported in a technical advisory capacity by the CAIC Senior Technical Developer, while reporting to the Biological Microscopy Coordinator for day-to-day line management.
The role holders will be expected to work closely together to provide a proactive support service that can be tailored to meet the evolving needs of the scientific community in the School. Ongoing training and development in new microscopy techniques and equipment will be essential.
We particularly welcome applications from women and/or candidates from a Black, Asian or minority ethnic background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our University.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Informal enquiries are welcome and should be directed to Dr Antonina Kruppa ajk62@cam.ac.uk
The closing date for applications is Sunday 25th June
Please quote reference PC36897 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Further information
Undergraduate Teaching Coordinator [Maternity Cover]
The Department of Genetics is seeking to appoint a Teaching Coordinator to join our friendly Professional Services team. This is a 12-month fixed-term, maternity cover role and provides an ideal opportunity for someone who may be interested in an internal secondment.
It is a key role in the Department providing administration support for Course Organisers, Examiners, Lecturers, and the Teaching/Management Committee for undergraduate courses in the Department.
The position would suit someone well-organised, reliable, and self-motivated who uses initiative to manage competing priorities and ensure key deadlines are met. Confidence and professionalism when communicating with academics and students from across the Department are essential, coupled with a keen eye for detail. You will need the skills to record and share information accurately and appropriately.
The successful applicant will need to demonstrate an aptitude for IT (particularly when using spreadsheets, databases, and web software) with an ability to learn University systems and processes quickly.
Applicants should be qualified to 'A' level standard or equivalent with existing University administration experience or relevant transferable skills. We are looking for someone who works well under pressure and can hit the ground running in this varied and interesting role.
The closing date for applications is Thursday, 1 June 2023
Temporary cover: This post is fixed-term for 12 months or the return of the post holder, whichever is the earlier.
Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.
We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for flexible working arrangements.
We particularly welcome applications from candidates from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our University.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
For informal enquiries about the role please contact, Casey Mein, Departmental Administrator at genda@gen.cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference PC36558 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Further information
Research Assistant (Fixed Term)
Applications are invited for a 2-year Wellcome Trust funded Research Assistant position to join an international team in the Department of Genetics in central Cambridge. The project is led by Dr Ben Steventon and is aimed towards understanding growth control of a population of embryonic stem cells called neuromesodermal progenitors. The project will involve experiments using aggregates of mouse embryonic stem cells, or gastruloids.
We are looking for a highly motivated and well-organised person, with a first degree in biological or biomedical sciences and experience in molecular biology. The project will involve learning and applying cutting-edge live imaging techniques including the quantification of gene expression dynamics. Experience in culturing of mouse embryonic stem cells, and their genetic manipulation is essential. It is also essential that the candidate can demonstrate a high level of organisational ability with experience in data collection and database management. Some experience in studying the role of metabolism in developmental processes would be desirable.
This would be an ideal position for someone looking to apply their research skills as part of a team and looking to further develop their skills on route to a PhD. The work will be embedded in a dynamic research group that utilizes a range of biological systems to tackle fundamental problems of early embryonic development.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.
We particularly welcome applications from women and candidates from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our University.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Dr Ben Steventon, bjs57@cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference PC36467 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Further information