Research Associate in Cell Biology x 2 (Fixed Term)

Modelling rare respiratory disease using lung organoid models

We are seeking multiple postdoctoral research associates to work on organoid models of rare respiratory pathologies including interstitial and cystic lung diseases. Funded by Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis and the LifeArc Centre for Rare Respiratory Diseases, the research associates will create organoid models allowing the study of fundamental disease mechanisms and enabling the development of novel therapies.

Our lab in the Cambridge Institute for Medical Research has a proven track record in elucidating the mechanisms underlying rare respiratory diseases with a focus on defects of protein folding and trafficking. We have extensive expertise in disease models, forward genetic screens, advanced microscopy, and multi-omics analysis. Successful applicants will join Professor Marciniak and Dr Dickens as part of a diverse team of scientists and clinicians committed to excellence in scientific research and in creating a rewarding and healthy working environment.

The LifeArc Centre for Rare Respiratory Diseases seeks to unite children, adults and families affected by relevant conditions with clinical experts, researchers, investors and industry leaders to accelerate diagnosis and development of much-needed therapies (https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/rare-disease-research-at-cambridge-receives-major-boost-with-launch-of-two-new-centres). The Centre is a partnership between Universities and NHS Trusts, co-led by partners in Cambridge, Edinburgh, Nottingham, Dundee, Southampton and London. It is supported by patient groups including Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis and the Birt-Hogg-Dubé Foundation. The postdoctoral associates will have the opportunity to interact productively with academics, clinicians, and patient advocates involved in the Centre across the UK.

Relevant papers are shown in the attached document.

Fixed-term: Posts will be for 3-4 years in the first instance.

Please contact Dr Jenny Dickens (jac72@cam.ac.uk) and Prof Stefan Marciniak (sjm20@cam.ac.uk) for further information.

A first round of interviews will be held on 15th November 2024. Second round of interviews will be held on 21st and 22nd November 2024.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years 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.

Applicants should hold a PhD in wet-lab cell biology. Prior experience of organoid culture, complex genetic editing and/or mechanistic protein biology would be advantageous though additional training will be provided where necessary.

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 SC43540 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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