Research Assistant/ Research Associate in Placental Biology (Fixed Term)

Join our team as a Postdoctoral Research Assistant/Associate in Placental Biology.

The McGovern and Aiken labs are seeking a talented and motivated Postdoctoral Research Assistant /Associate in placental biology to join our teams. Our research aims to understand host-pathogen interactions at the maternal-fetal interface and factors mediating placental development and function.

The McGovern & Aiken Labs:

The team of Naomi McGovern is based at the Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge. It focuses on characterising human placental cells and determining how they fight transplacental infection. This includes work with trophoblast organoids, placental macrophages, Listeria monocytogenes and human cytomegalovirus. To develop our understanding of these cells, we utilise a range of technologies including proteomic, transcriptomic and epigenetic approaches.

https://www.path.cam.ac.uk/research/immunology-division/mcgovern-group

https://www.mcgovernlab.com/

The team of Catherine Aiken is based at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge. They investigate the mechanisms by which sub-optimal nutrition in early life can affect reproductive ageing, the impact of this on population health and effects across generations.

About the role:

Your project will aim to develop human trophoblast culture systems. You will generate and characterise trophoblast culture systems from first trimester and term placentas. You will use these models to understand how placental cells respond to infection and certain drugs, and how these responses change across gestation. You will use a range of techniques including confocal microscopy, bioinformatics and infection assays in CL2 facilities.

Main duties:

• Generate, maintain and characterise organoid and macrophage culture systems.
• Design, implementation, and application of infection and drug assays.
• Statistical analysis and data visualisation.
• To identify, develop and apply a broad range of techniques to pursue the research objectives.
• To present scientific work at seminars within the laboratory and at external meetings.
• To contribute to laboratory-wide discussions on developments within the field.
• To draft scientific papers and contribute to the overall preparation of research for publication.
• To contribute to public engagement events.
• To assist in the training of PhD students and other members of the team.

Further information can be found in the attached Further Particulars document.

You will have:

• A PhD in immunology or cellular biology, or near completion.
• Experience with 'omics data sets.
• A proven track record of research (e.g., publication record)
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Experience working with advanced tissue culture systems, e.g. organoids
• Ability to work as part of a team.

Please note, applicants who are close to PhD submission are welcome to apply. Without PhD submission, appointment would be made at Grade 5 Research Assistant until submission.

Desirable:

• Experience in working with infection assays such as HCMV or Listeria monocytogenes.

Why join us?

• Contribute to cutting-edge immunology research with real-world implications.
• Collaborate with experts across the fields of immunology, virology, microbiology, and placental biology.
• Work in a supportive and collaborative environment that fosters professional growth.

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 the 'Apply' button above. 

Any informal queries regarding this position should be directed to Dr Naomi McGovern: nm390@cam.ac.uk

Queries regarding the application process should be directed to Miss Ellie Watson (HR Administrator): ew649@cam.ac.uk

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

Advert information