Senior Research Associate (biological determinants of pandemic risk) (Fixed Term)

Department/Location: Centre for Research in Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, Cambridge

Applications are invited for a full time Senior Research Associate for the Engineered Pandemics Risk Management Programme. The successful candidate will pursue high-quality research on the biological determinants of engineered pandemic risk. This could include a focus on immunological determinants of the host response to infection, how immune pressure affects pathogen evolution or analysis of pathogen recognition by hosts and why it differs between species.  The aim is to use the fundamental biology to inform interventional strategies. 

The successful candidate will work in collaboration with Professor Bryant's research group building their own research program to determine the mechansims by which a deliberately released pathogen might cause disease and how this could be prevented or reduced. Applicants who work across disciplines, for example integrating bioinformatics with mathematical modelling and/or AI/ML, are particularly encouraged as developing these kind of multi-disciplinary collaborations are critical for the success of this program. The appointee will either already be established as an independent researcher or will be encouraged to use this position as an avenue to develop as an independent researcher. 

Applicants must have been awarded a PhD in a relevant specialist area, including but not limited to microbiology, immunology and/or molecular biology. Candidates with relevant experience working in pathogen-host biology and/or bioinformatics are highly desired 

This role is fixed term for 2 years in the first instance. 

Working arrangements in terms of in-office or from home can be discussed. 

In order for your application to be considered, please ensure that you upload the following: 

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• A covering letter (maximum two pages)
• A one-page selected research publication list starring the two outputs most relevant to your application
• A research proposal of no more than 1000 words
• Names and contact details of two referees that are familiar with your work

If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application. 

Informal enquiries about the role are welcomed and should be directed to Professor Clare Bryant on ceb27@cam.ac.uk. 

If you have any questions on the application process, please contact the School's HR Team on  sahhr@admin.cam.ac.uk. 

The closing date for applications is midnight (GMT) on Sunday 12 January 2025. Interviews are planned for the end of January 2025, subject to change. 

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

Please quote reference VM44345 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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