Research Associate

Limit of Tenure: up to 12 months.

Applications are invited for this postdoctoral position, funded by a Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) LINK grant with AstraZeneca (AZ) on a project aiming to use phage display antibody library technologies, hypothesis-driven selection of targets and target-independent whole cell panning and functional screens to identify single-chain Fvs (scFvs), that block or impair the activity of Campylobacter 'essential' and 'conditionally essential' proteins for therapeutic and prophylactic treatments.

The focus of the research, led by Dr Andrew Grant, is to (1) Identify antigenic targets of anti-Campylobacter scFv antibodies, and (2) Construct bacterial delivery systems for anti-Campylobacter scFv antibodies.

Applicants should hold a PhD in Molecular Microbiology or a related discipline. Knowledge of, and experience in, the field of bacterial infectious disease research is essential. Expertise in molecular biology, including cloning (with Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis), is required as is practical experience in proteomic and immunological assays. Experience of imaging platforms is essential. The candidate must value teamwork and collaboration, have good administrative and interpersonal skills, and high computer literacy especially in relation to the use of bioinformatics software.

The University of Cambridge will act as the employer of the successful applicant; however, the successful applicant may spend some part of the project duration at the AZ R&D site in Cambridge. Some project activities will be conducted in the laboratory of Dr Andrew Grant at the Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, and/or in the laboratory of Dr Graham Christie at the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology at the University of Cambridge, according to the capacities and/or expertise at each site.

We are committed to a proactive approach to equality, which includes supporting and encouraging equally all groups of individuals, promoting an inclusive culture and valuing diversity.

Further particulars for the role and information about the Department https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vet.cam.ac.uk%2F&data=05%7C02%7Chejobs%40jobs.ac.uk%7C87b2dd5dc5b14e695c4808dd3001fe4c%7C09bacfbd47ef446592653546f2eaf6bc%7C0%7C0%7C638719507327580936%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=QSKC19N9lZtSYp6BCbtrjTeNeN%2BQ8f7dPPPJ%2Bmgm6mY%3D&reserved=0

Informal enquiries should be directed to Julie Ingham email ji217@cam.ac.uk Please note that shortlisted candidates will be expected to make a presentation at interview.

Applicants should submit a CHRIS/6, Curriculum Vitae (CV), covering letter outlining suitability for the role and contact details for two references. Please ensure that you upload your CV and a covering letter in the Upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents, which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

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

Interviews are expected to be held 12 March 2025

Please quote reference PP44662 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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