Research Associate (Fixed Term)

We have a postdoctoral position available to study host-pathogen interactions and innate immune recognition in the group of Prof. Yorgo Modis in the University of Cambridge Department of Medicine. The Modis group is part of the Molecular Immunity Unit within the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (MRC-LMB). We benefit from the outstanding scientific environment and infrastructure of the MRC-LMB, and from being part of the virology and immunology communities as members of the Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology & Infectious Disease (CITIID).

The Modis group employs cryo-EM, X-ray crystallography, fluorescence microscopy, biochemical assays, and cell biological approaches to understand host-pathogen interactions. The group's overall goal is to obtain a mechanistic understanding of the host pathogen interface in atomic level detail. The key focus for this role will be to study key innate immune signaling complexes using state-of-the-art cryo-EM image reconstruction approaches including single-particle averaging (SPA) and cryo-EM tomography (cryo-ET).

We seek a highly motivated research scientist with a PhD in the biological, biochemical, or biomedical sciences, and relevant research experience in cryo-EM sample preparation, data collection, and image reconstruction. Candidates must have one or more first-author research article(s) published in a peer-reviewed journal or under review with a preprint available. Experience in eukaryotic expression systems, cell-based assays, immunofluorescence microscopy, or bioinformatics is desirable.

Candidates in the process of submitting their PhD thesis or awaiting degree conferral will be considered. In this case, appointment would be at the level of Research Assistant, Grade 5. On receipt of PhD award, the appointee would move to Grade 7, Research Associate.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Prof. Modis at ym10000@cam.ac.uk

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 1 November 2025 in the first instance.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click on the apply button above.

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and a 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.

The closing date for applications is: 28th July  2024

The interview date for the role is: To be confirmed

Please quote reference RC41477 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.

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