Finance / Accounts Assistant
Are you ready to take the first step in your professional services career? Do you want to work in a vibrant, collaborative environment where no two days are the same? We're looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Finance/Accounts Assistant to join our large and welcoming Professional Services team in the Department of Pathology. This is an exciting opportunity for someone eager to learn, grow, and contribute to the daily operations of a busy academic department.
What You'll Do:
- Process purchase orders, invoices, credit notes and expense claims.
- Set up credit accounts and bank transfers.
- Liaise with suppliers, customers and staff to resolve financial queries.
- Provide advice and guidance to staff on financial procedures.
- Produce quarterly reports.
- Maintain financial records and supplier databases.
Please check attached further particulars document for more information.
What You'll Gain:
- A fantastic introduction to the workings of a busy academic department.
- Opportunities to develop a broad skill set in finance.
- A chance to be part of a diverse and inclusive community that values learning and teamwork.
- Insight into both the research and teaching environment of a leading university.
About Us:
The Department of Pathology at the University of Cambridge is one of the largest and most dynamic departments within the School of the Biological Sciences. With around 250 academic and professional services staff, we are committed to excellence in everything we do and pride ourselves on being a welcoming, supportive workplace. Whether you're just starting out or looking to kickstart a new chapter, this role will offer a solid foundation for a career in higher education administration.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Thomas Smith (Finance Coordinator) : trs29@cam.ac.uk
If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact Ellie Watson (HR Administrator): ew649@cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference PK46379 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.
Business Administrator
Are you ready to take the first step in your professional services career? Do you want to work in a vibrant, collaborative environment where no two days are the same? We're looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Business Administrator to join our large and welcoming Professional Services team in the Department of Pathology. This is an exciting entry-level opportunity ideal for someone eager to learn, grow, and contribute to the daily operations of a busy academic department.
What You'll Do:
Be the first point of contact for visitors, providing a professional and friendly welcome
Deliver efficient administrative and operational support across a range of departmental functions
Gain hands-on experience with a wide variety of systems and processes
Support key departmental activities, initiatives, and projects
Collaborate with colleagues across the School of Biological Sciences and participate in projects.
Please check the Further Particulars to see more information on the person specification
What You'll Gain:
A fantastic introduction to the workings of a busy academic department
Opportunities to develop a broad skill set in administration, communication, coordination, and more
A chance to be part of a diverse and inclusive community that values learning and teamwork
Insight into both the research and teaching environment of a leading university
About Us:
The Department of Pathology at the University of Cambridge is one of the largest and most dynamic departments within the School of the Biological Sciences. With around 250 academic and professional services staff, we are committed to excellence in everything we do and pride ourselves on being a welcoming, supportive workplace. Whether you're just starting out or looking to kickstart a new chapter, this role will offer a solid foundation for a career in higher education administration.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Contact Fiona Craig for an informal chat via fcc21@cam.ac.uk and check out our website: https://www.path.cam.ac.uk/
Please quote reference PK46371 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.
New insights into the oldest cells: How bacteria regulate translation in unexpected ways
About the Project
We invite applications for a fully-funded at Home fees 4-year PhD studentship project to investigate a newly discovered mechanism of translational regulation in bacteria, with the potential to reveal fundamental insights into gene expression and microbial adaptation, based in the Department of Pathology at the University of Cambridge under the supervision of Dr Betty Chung (https://www.path.cam.ac.uk/directory/betty-chung) starting January 2026, deadline 10th July 2025.
Project Summary:
Translation is a critical control point in bacterial gene expression, yet many regulatory mechanisms remain poorly understood. In our recent work, we uncovered a previously uncharacterized mechanism of translational regulation in bacteria, involving novel RNA elements and ribosomal stalling events. This PhD project will delve into the molecular details of this regulatory system, its physiological roles, and its conservation across bacterial species. For more information please see here : https://www.path.cam.ac.uk/graduate/fully-funded-studentships.
Key objectives include:
Characterizing the molecular mechanism of this translational regulation using a combination of genetics, molecular biology, and structural biology.
Determining its impact on bacterial physiology under different environmental conditions.
Investigating the evolutionary conservation and diversity of this mechanism in other bacterial taxa.
Techniques You May Use:
The project will involve a multidisciplinary approach combining molecular biology, microbiology, and systems-level analysis. Depending on the project's progression and your interests, you may gain experience in:
Infection-Associated Techniques Studying bacterial gene regulation during host-pathogen interactions.
High-Throughput Transcriptomics and Translatomics Including cutting-edge methods such as ribosome profiling to explore translation dynamics.
Reporter Assays Using RNA-based fluorescence or luminescence-based systems to investigate regulatory mechanisms in live cells.
In Vitro Translation Systems Reconstituting translation in a controlled environment to dissect mechanistic details.
Structural Biology Approaches Particularly cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to explore RNA or ribosome-associated structures.
Computational and Bioinformatic Analysis Handling and interpreting large datasets, sequence conservation, RNA structure modelling, and more.
You will be supported in developing new skills, with opportunities to focus on either experimental or computational components, or both, based on your evolving interests and the direction of the research.
Candidate Requirements:
We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with a strong background in molecular biology, microbiology, or biochemistry. Previous experience in RNA biology, bacterial genetics, or translational regulation will be advantageous, but not essential. Enthusiasm to learn new techniques and a curiosity-driven approach to research are key.
Lab and Environment:
Our lab is part of a dynamic research community within the Department of Pathology, offering access to state-of-the-art facilities and strong collaborations in RNA biology and microbial genetics. You'll work in a supportive, interdisciplinary environment with opportunities for training, conference attendance, and international collaboration.
Funding Notes
Funding* will cover the student's stipend at the current Research Council rate and University Fees. The studentship will be funded for four years from January 2026. *The studentship is only available to students who qualify for UK Home fees
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 4 years in the first instance.
Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.
How to Apply:
Applicants should hold (or expect to obtain) the equivalent of a UK 2.1 or higher in an undergraduate honours or Masters degree in a relevant subject. The studentship is open to those eligible for the Home rate of University fees.
All applications should be made online via the University's Applicant Portal (https://apply.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/applicant/login?dswid=-6012) for a PhD in Pathology (BLPA22). Applications should include academic transcripts, CV, statement of purpose and 2 references. An application is only complete when all supporting documents, including the 2 academic references, are submitted. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure their referees submit their references before the closing date. Please also explain your motivation why you wish to pursue a PhD in this area, outline your research interests and background, and describe the qualities and experience you will bring to the role.
Please quote reference PK46271 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.
Domestic Assistant (Part Time, Fixed Term)
People are at the heart of everything we do at Pathology, so why not join our team as a Domestic Assistant. We can offer a welcoming work environment where you can feel valued, encouraged to develop, and supported, so that you can achieve your full potential.
The Department of Pathology is one of the larger departments in the University with a highly active research and teaching programme.
The role holder will be assigned to the Department's site at Addenbrooke's Hospital and will be a member of the Central Services Domestic Team supervised daily by a Domestic Supervisor. Along with other members of the Central Services Domestic Team, the role holder will be required to provide cover for absences and from time-to-time will be requested to work at the Department's other buildings in central Cambridge.
The role holder will undertake cleaning work at the Department of Pathology's Addenbrooke's site to ensure that the facilities are cleaned and maintained to a high standard and provide a portering and custodian service for the Department of Pathology's Addenb.rooke's site. The role holder will also undertake waste disposal in accordance with NHS regulations and recycle (where required.
The Head of Department may also from time to time require the role holder to perform other duties appropriate to the grade of post.
Requirements of the role holder:
Ability to work to a routine with the minimum of supervision.
Reliable and have good time keeping.
Good communication skills with the ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
Basic general Health and Safety awareness, including the ability to understand instructions regarding the safe use of chemicals.
Ability to manage own time in order to cover all aspects of the work.
Demonstrate a high level of professionalism at all times.
Additional requirements:
Visiting the Department's other buildings in central Cambridge when required.
Due to the nature of the work a good level of physical fitness is required.
Please check attached Further Particulars for more information.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 months in the first instance.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.
Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.
We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Any informal queries regarding this position should be directed to Mr Caius Liu: cl870@cam.ac.uk
Queries regarding the application process should be directed to Miss Ellie Watson (HR Administrator): ew649@cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference PK46197 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.
Identifying novel anti-malarial transmission blocking vaccine targets on the parasitic zygote
Applications are invited for a fully-funded 4-year PhD studentship based in the Department of Pathology at the University of Cambridge under the supervision of Dr Andrew Blagborough (https://www.path.cam.ac.uk/directory/andrew-blagborough) starting January 2026.
Malaria, caused by Plasmodium parasites and transmitted by female Anopheles mosquitoes, remains a devastating infectious disease. Within the mosquito, the malaria parasite undergoes a complex and delicate lifecycle that can be successfully targeted using transmission blocking vaccines (TBVs). The most promising lifecycle stages to target with TBVs is the parasitic ookinete, a motile zygote that is essential for transmission. However, our knowledge of the surface proteins that can initiate an immunological response on the ookinete surface is limited. Using novel genetically altered parasites, this project aims to identify novel TBV targets on the surface of the ookinete, building a molecular map of the poorly understood parasite surface and facilitating the development of novel anti-malarial TBVs.. For more information please see here: https://www.path.cam.ac.uk/graduate/fully-funded-studentships
Funding will cover the student's stipend at the current Research Council rate and Home University Fees. The studentship will be funded for four years from January 2026. The studentships are available to students who qualify for UK Home fees only. Please check your eligibility here: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/fees/what-my-fee-status.
Applicants should hold (or expect to obtain) the equivalent of a high UK 2.1 or higher in an undergraduate honors or Masters degree in a relevant subject. The studentship is open to those eligible for the Home rate of University fees.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 4 years in the first instance.
Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.
All applications should be made online via the University's Applicant Portal (https://apply.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/applicant/login?dswid=5924) for a PhD in Pathology (BLPA22). Applications should include academic transcripts, CV and 2 references. An application is only complete when all supporting documents, including the 2 academic references, are submitted. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure their referees submit their references before the closing date. Please also explain your motivation why you wish to pursue a PhD in this area, outline your research interests and background, and describe the qualities and experience you will bring to the role.
Please quote reference PK46214 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.
General Catering Assistant (Part Time, Fixed Term)
The Department of Pathology employs in excess of 300 Academic, Research and Support staff, and provision of a canteen facility is seen as an integral part of the welfare of the department. The facility provides hot and cold drinks, refreshments, and lunches, and is open daily throughout the year. It also serves an important function in providing refreshments for the many meetings, seminars and other events that are held in the department.
The Department of Pathology now has an opportunity for an General Catering Assistant to join our small Canteen and Facilities team. We are looking for somebody to help co-ordinate the smooth running of the canteen, this will involve preparing food, stock checks, ordering supplies and serving members of the Department. You will also assist the other members of the Facilities team with checks, inspections, cleaning, portering, and any other tasks suitable to the grade.
The successful applicant will also be responsible for working within the requirements of food safety and hygiene and for the daily supervision of the Facilities Administrator.
Key skills and experience
Essential
Experience of food preparation in a kitchen /catering establishment.
Knowledge of food safety legislation.
Good organisational skills.
Good communication skills.
Time management.
Ability to work as part of a team.
Level 2 food hygiene certificate.
Desirable
NVQ2 or City and Guilds 706 1 & 2 in a relevant subject or equivalent.
GCSE Maths and English or equivalent.
Friendly outgoing nature.
Please check attached Further Information file for more details.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 months in the first instance.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.
Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.
We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Any informal queries regarding this position should be directed to Mr Caius Liu: cl870@cam.ac.uk
Queries regarding the application process should be directed to Miss Ellie Watson (HR Administrator): ew649@cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference PK46179 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.
Research Assistant in Viral Immunology (Fixed Term)
We are seeking a motivated and well-organised Research Assistant to join the group of Dr Arwen Altenburg at the Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge (www.altenburglab.com). The position is funded by the Wellcome Trust, and employment will be at Grade 5 Research Assistant level at the University of Cambridge.
The position
The project is focused on HLA class I antigen processing and presentation in viral immune detection and evasion. This fundamental research has substantial translational potential given the importance of HLA class I molecules in infectious diseases, cancer, and autoimmunity. The successful applicant will contribute to basic laboratory maintenance, establishing and validating new cell lines, designing and performing viral infection experiments, and detailed data evaluation & documentation.
The post is designed to facilitate continued development of research skills and to contribute to scientific publications. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work under their own initiative and present regularly at lab meetings. Potential avenues for additional career development include science communication and formal training opportunities available within the University.
The lab
The successful applicant will join a small team of 2-4 people. The group is led by Dr Arwen Altenburg as a relatively new Principal Investigator (PI), offering a unique opportunity to be part of the lab's early development and contribute to shaping its research direction and culture. This role is ideal for candidates who enjoy hands-on research, working closely with others, and are excited by the opportunity to grow alongside a developing research programme.
Our laboratory is based in the Cambridge city centre, and we work in several lab spaces shared with other groups within the Immunology Division. Each team member is provided with their own dedicated desk and computer within the main lab. We have access to basic kitchen amenities on our floor, and a canteen is conveniently located within the building. The successful applicant will benefit from the team-oriented and collegial environment of the laboratory, the Division and the wider research community in Cambridge.
Qualifications and skills
Candidates are expected to hold a BSc or MSc degree in Virology or Immunology. Experience with mammalian tissue culture, flow cytometry, molecular biology techniques, CRISPR/Cas9 and working at biosafety level 2 is advantageous, however applicants are not expected to enter with the full range of skills. We will be delighted to consider highly motived candidates who can demonstrate excellent relevant laboratory skills and a minimum of 6 months hands-on laboratory experience. Knowledge of virology and MHC class I antigen processing and presentation is highly desirable. The role requires the ability to effectively communicate complex information to peers and non-experts. The candidate should have the ability to work well self-directed and as part of a team. Please check further particulars documents for further information.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 months in the first instance.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.
Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Any informal queries regarding this position should be directed to Dr Arwen Altenburg: afa34@cam.ac.uk
Queries regarding the application process should be directed to Miss Ellie Watson (HR Administrator): ew649@cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference PK46138 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.
Research Associate (Fixed Term)
A post-doctoral position funded by the BBSRC is available in the Division of Cellular and Molecular Pathology working within the laboratory of Dr Paolo D'Avino, to undertake a research project investigating the regulation and function of the midbody by phosphorylation (see D'Avino and Capalbo, 2016, Seminars in Cell and Developmental Biology, 53:57-63; Capalbo et al., 2019, Nature Communications, 10:4513; and Halcrow et al., 2022, Cells, 11:3337).
Candidates should have a PhD and a track record of success in molecular and cellular biology research. Significant experience in human cell culture, molecular biology, and microscopy is required. Experience in CRISPR gene editing and/or proteomics would be an advantage.
The ability to work both independently and as part of a team, coupled with excellent communication, organizational and problem-solving skills is required. Other duties/responsibilities include developing and driving research objectives and writing up work for presentation and publication. For more information about the laboratory please visit: https://www.path.cam.ac.uk/research/cellular-and-molecular-pathology-division/davino-group.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 30 November 2025 in the first instance.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.
Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Any informal queries regarding this position should be directed to Dr Paolo D'Avino : ppd21@cam.ac.uk
Queries regarding the application process should be directed to Miss Ellie Watson (HR Administrator): ew649@cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference PK46139 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.
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
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.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.
Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
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
Please quote reference PK45798 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.
