Research Associate in Cell Biology (Fixed Term)

We have an opportunity for a postdoctoral Research Associate to join our team studying new mechanisms driving neurodegenerative diseases. This is a Wellcome Trust-funded post in the laboratory of Dr Janet Deane at the Cambridge Institute for Medical Research. Our lab uses a wide range of techniques to study how altered lipid metabolism drives changes in the cellular proteome causing neuronal pathologies. We're looking for a postdoctoral researcher with experience in cell biology with a keen interest in translating cell-based discoveries into molecular insights.

The post holder must possess a PhD in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Neuroscience or a relevant subject and have a good track record of generating high-quality data for publications. They must have good interpersonal skills as well as the ability to communicate their work clearly in both formal and informal settings. The candidate must have great attention to detail and excellent record keeping. Experience training postgraduate students in laboratory techniques would be advantageous.

We are looking for an enthusiastic scientist with experience in cell biology including complex cultures such as iPSCs or organoids, ideally with brain cell types including neurons, microglia and/or astrocytes. Experience with cell-based models of late-onset neurodegenerative diseases would be advantageous. To excel in this role, an appreciation of the importance of both lipids and proteins for cell adhesion and membrane trafficking is highly advantageous.

The successful applicant will be part of a team with established expertise in protein biochemistry including protein-protein and protein-lipid interaction assays and structural biology. We also have extensive experience in the generation of cell-based models of disease including using CRISPRi in iPSC cells as well as phenotypic characterisation of these models using proteomics and fluorescence microscopy. Due to the supportive nature of the laboratory, enthusiastic candidates will have the opportunity to learn techniques that expand their research skills. Furthermore, we encourage creative thinking when tackling scientific problems and are keen for lab members to adopt new technologies and approaches when appropriate.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until April 2026 in the first instance.

For informal enquiries please contact Dr. Janet Deane at jed55@cam.ac.uk

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please visit: www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/46988.

Applicants must have (or be close to obtaining) a PhD.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5, Point 38 £31,411) moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of your PhD award.

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

Please quote reference SD42104 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.

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