Research Assistant (Part Time, Fixed Term)

We are recruiting for a part-time Research Assistant who will support a multidisciplinary team seeking to understand the host-parasite interactions that take place during the invasion of human red blood cells by malaria parasites. Your primary focus will be on supporting the generation of genetically modified human malaria parasites. This will involve carrying out a variety of cellular and molecular biology techniques, primarily revolving around the culture, transfection and genome modification of Plasmodium falciparum parasites using CRISPR/Cas9 targeted methodologies. Demonstrable experience of, and high standards in, cell culture skills (ideally working with malaria parasites, but this is not absolutely required) is therefore essential, as is some molecular biology experience such as PCR, plasmid construction or preparing plasmids from bacteria using standard techniques such as mini and midi prep.   Team-working, flexibility and collaboration are also key elements of the role, as you will work as part of a vibrant team, supporting multiple researchers with their work. You will also contribute to the team environment by supporting the laboratory manager with ordering, laboratory maintenance and training others in laboratory techniques when needed.

This is a part-time role (a full-time position is not possible). It could therefore be the ideal opportunity for a talented scientist seeking to return to research after a career gap, or who wants to work part-time in research while balancing other responsibilities. While there is some flexibility with the scheduling of work tasks, because malaria parasites grow on a 48 hour life cycle there is not complete flexibility, as some tasks must be carried out at specific points in that cycle. The ideal schedule would be to work for a shorter number of hours (eg. 9am - 2pm) on multiple days of the week, rather than for a longer number of hours on a smaller number of days.

Research will be carried out at the Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR), an interdisciplinary research institute which is part of the University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine and located on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. CIMR's mission is to explore the molecular mechanisms of disease in order to advance human health (https://www.cimr.cam.ac.uk). Our approach is to bring together fundamental and clinical researchers who have shared interests in cellular homeostasis and how it is disrupted in genetic and infectious diseases, and support their work with outstanding core facilities and a highly collaborative, collegial working environment.  We are committed to diversity, inclusion and anti-racism, and applicants from groups that are under-represented in scientific research are particularly encouraged to apply.

The role is fixed term until 31 December 2025.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

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

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 SG42911 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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