Research Assistant/Research Associate in Computational Biology - Deciphering RNA Transmission between Hosts and their Surrounding Micro-organisms for the Development of Novel Antimicrobial RNAs - Maori Group (Fixed Term)

Location: Central Cambridge

The Maori lab (www.bioc.cam.ac.uk/research/maori), based in the Department of Biochemistry at Cambridge University, is inviting applications for a Research Assistant/Research Associate. The position holder will join our research programme, which centres around RNA transmission between organisms.

Honeybees are eusocial insects, living in a colony that is often described as a superorganism. RNA mobility between cells of an organism has been shown in animals and plants. We recently discovered that RNA spreads further in honeybees and is horizontally transferred between individuals and across generations (Maori et al., Mol Cell, 2019; Maori et al., Cell Reports, 20219). Ongoing work in the lab has revealed that RNA originating from a gut-restricted bacterium is taken up and spread systemically within the bee host and has the capacity to target honeybee pathogens. Yet, the extent of RNA transmission between honeybees and their surrounding micro-organisms is poorly understood.

A Research Assistant/Research Associate position is available to utilise computational biology methods to track and study natural RNA transmission between honeybees and the hive biome. Broadly, the project investigates the mechanisms and roles of transmissible RNA, including social immunity and genome regulation with impacts on the physiology and fitness of recipient bees. This research will provide knowledge and tools that will enable studying the biology of horizontal RNA transfer in other organisms, including humans, in diverse biological aspects; hence, it will ultimately contribute to the development of RNA-based applications to promote health and disease control.

The position is funded by an award from the Wellcome and Royal Society to Eyal Maori. The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. or M.Phil degree in RNA- or genomics-related subjects. Experience with NGS analyses is highly desirable. Familiarity with metagenomics and molecular biology techniques would be advantageous but not mandatory.

Applicants will have a track record in driving competitive research, including peer-reviewed publications. The ideal candidate will be passionate about interdisciplinary research and highly motivated to succeed professionally.

Applications should contain a description of research interests (e.g. as part of the cover letter), a detailed CV (with exam marks and all relevant practical experience) and a list of publications. Please also include the names and email addresses of at least two referees, who are familiar with your research work.

Appointment at Research Associate level (Grade 7) is dependent on having a PhD. Those who do not hold a PhD or those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant. (Grade 5)

The salary range for a Research Assistant (Grade 5) is £29,605- £33,966 The salary range for a Research Associate (Grade 7) is £36,024- £44,263

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 14^th April 2026 in the first instance.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please visit: www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/47422.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Dr Eyal Maori: em514@cam.ac.uk

For further assistance, please contact the Biochemistry HR team via email: personnel@bioc.cam.ac.uk

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

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