http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/?unit=u00202&format=rss

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.

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.

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in malaria parasite biology, funded by a Wellcome Trust grant in the laboratory of Professor Catherine Merrick. The appointee will join an ongoing project investigating parasite epigenetics, staffed by 3 PDRAs and a technician. Specifically, it will involve characterising a panel of P. falciparum conditional knockdown mutants using cutting-edge techniques in molecular genetics, biochemistry and cell biology. Two years of productive research has already been conducted by the out-going role holder: publication(s) are confidently expected within the final year.

The project is supported by a technician and benefits from excellent facilities, including recently-refurbished Category-3 containment laboratories, and diverse expertise at the Cambridge Pathology Department, which hosts three collaborative malaria research groups.

Key Responsibilities

• Laboratory work in molecular genetics and cell biology in malaria parasites.

• Malaria parasite cell culture.

• Biochemical work e.g. western blotting.

• Immunofluorescence microscopy.

• Accurate, comprehensive record keeping.

• Preparation of research manuscripts, both text and figures.

• Presentation at local and international meetings.

• Efficient and productive collaboration with existing team of PDRAs.

Applicants should hold a PhD in parasitology, molecular biology or biochemistry. Specific experience in any of the following techniques is highly desirable: Plasmodium culture, Plasmodium molecular genetics, protein biochemistry, parasite microscopy.

Further information can be found in the attached further particulars document.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 months in the first instance, with the possibility of extension upon funding of future grants.

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 Professor Catherine Merrick : cjm48@cam.ac.uk

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

Please quote reference PK45186 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.

An exciting opportunity to join the Laboratory of Professor Catherine Merrick as a Research Laboratory Technician is available. This will be supporting a major project staffed by 3 postdoctoral researchers and funded by a Wellcome Trust Grant. The project investigates parasite epigenetics and the possibility that a novel epigenetic pathway could impact directly upon host-parasite signalling in malaria patients.

Responsibilities will include basic (Category-3 containment) laboratory maintenance consisting of:

• Ordering and managing consumables.
• Preparing reagents and media.
• Maintaining Equipment, databases and archives.
• Ensuring health, safety and legal compliance (with HSE and HTA regulations).
• Supporting postdoctoral researchers by performing molecular biology and parasite cell culture in a derogated Category-3 containment laboratory.

Training in the scientific aspects of the work will be provided as necessary, and training in technical and administrative tasks will be provided by the general laboratory manager, as well as the out-going role holder. The Wellcome grant also provides funds explicitly dedicated for continuing professional development and training activities.

The successful applicant should have some previous experience working in a biological research laboratory.

An undergraduate degree in biological discipline is desirable as well as experience with cell culture (ideally malaria parasite culture), molecular biology and biochemistry. Please see further details in the attached further particulars document.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 month in the first instance, with possible extension upon funding of future grants.

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 Professor Catherine Merrick : cjm48@cam.ac.uk

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

Please quote reference PK45184 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.

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.

The deadline for applications is 9th March 2025. Interviews will take place in the last two weeks of March.

Informal queries should be directed to Dr Paolo D'Avino, ppd21@cam.ac.uk

General queries should be directed to Ellie Watson, ew649@path.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference PK44968 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.

As part of a collaboration with the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate or Research Assistant (with an Undergraduate level degree as a minimum) to join the laboratory of Professor Elizabeth Soilleux on a newly funded, exciting CRUK-funded project, developing and validating a new diagnostic test for T-cell lymphoma. The test is likely to be adopted into clinical practice during the later stages of the 3-year project.

This 3-year role focuses on careful validation of tissue-based staining and provides an opportunity to interface with and understand clinical services and healthcare challenges. It provides opportunities to learn about tissue morphology, as well as gaining experience in automated and manual tissue handling and staining processes, primarily using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and high sensitivity in situ hybridisation. Corroborative approaches using cell culture and molecular techniques will also be important.

There will be opportunities to present data at conferences and to write both primary research and review papers. The successful applicant will be expected to provide singlehanded or collaborative supervision to undergraduate students and Masters students, within a supportive and collegial laboratory environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Cell culture
• Molecular biology (nucleic acid extraction, PCR, RT-PCR, Q-PCR).
• Collating and clinicopathologically annotating cohorts of patient biopsy samples, in collaboration with clinical colleagues, as needed.
• Automated (and occasionally) manual staining by immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridisation and immunofluorescence.
• Ensuring compliance of the laboratory with Human Tissue Act (England and Wales, 2004).
• Providing Human Tissue Act training and mentorship to other laboratory members, principally students.
• Liaising with industrial and academic collaborators, both nationally and internationally.
• Supervising or co-supervising student projects, as appropriate.

Essential Requirements:

• A Relevant Undergraduate Degree (Appointment at Research Assistant Level).
• Strong molecular biology skills, including nucleic acid extraction and PCR.
• A willingness to work with a broad range of academic, clinical and industrial collaborators.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.

Desirable:

• Experience in training or mentoring students or other laboratory members.
• A strong track record in writing manuscripts for publication.
• PhD (or equivalent experience) in spatial imaging, tissue-based research approaches (including immunohistochemistry/ in situ hybridisation) or molecular biology (Essential for appointment at Research Associate Level).
• A Masters Degree

Please read attached further particulars document for more information.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded. Those with equivalent experience to a PhD, but who have not undertaken or not yet completed a doctoral qualification will be eligible to be appointed at Research Assistant level.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register for an account with our recruitment system and apply online.

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 Professor Elizabeth Soilleux : ejs17@cam.ac.uk

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

Please quote reference PK45055 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.

People are at the heart of everything we do at Pathology, so why not join our Central Services Domestic team as a Domestic Assistant (Part-Time). We can offer a welcoming work environment where you can feel valued, encouraged to develop, and supported to achieve your full potential.

You will support the Domestic Team in undertaking cleaning and portering services at the Downing Site of the Department of Pathology which will include cleaning laboratories, the library, toilets, the canteen and common room/areas to maintain the appearance of the Department to a high standard.

Ideally you will have some relevant experience of laboratory or office cleaning, although an aptitude for this type of work is more important as full training will be provided. Good communication skills with the ability to follow written and verbal instructions, particularly regarding the safe use of chemicals, the ability to prioritise your workload with the minimum of supervision and to work both independently and as part of a team are essential. Please see attached Further Particulars document.

What we Offer

*Our Professional Services staff play a fundamental role in the School's academic vision of the pursuit of education and research at the highest levels of excellence. The University of Cambridge offers excellent benefits, extensive opportunities in a stimulating environment.

*The University salary structure includes automatic service-related pay progression in many of its grades and an annual cost of living increase. In addition to this, employees are rewarded for outstanding contribution through a number of regular pay progression schemes. Staff also benefit from a generous annual leave entitlement.

*The University offers employees a wide range of competitive benefits, from health care cash plans to childcare, a cycle to work scheme, to shopping and insurance discounts.

*University-led initiatives in the areas of equality, diversity and wellbeing include staff and students networks. These include the Women's Staff Network, the Disabled Staff Network, the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Staff Network, Parents and Carers and the LGBT+ Network. We also hold a wide range of Equality and Diversity events on a regular basis.

*Wellbeing at Cambridge is a University-wide initiative aiming at supporting and maximising the health and wellbeing of staff. It encompasses a network of Wellbeing Advocates, who provide guidance and general signposting about wellbeing issues, including mental or physical health and Dignity @ Work concerns.

*The University offer a range of family-friendly policies, including maternity, adoption and shared parental leave. In addition, workplace nurseries, childcare vouchers, a childcare salary sacrifice scheme and a high-quality holiday play scheme are available to help support University employees with caring responsibilities.

Contact Caius Liu for an informal chat on cl870@cam.ac.uk and check out our website: https://www.path.cam.ac.uk/

Temporary cover: This post is fixed-term to cover Maternity Leave for 12 months or until the return of the post holder, whichever is the earlier.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

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 (Facilities Manager) : 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 PK45031 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.

An exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Associate has emerged within the Department of Pathology's Ferguson Laboratory. The successful applicant will join a three-year research project, defining cellular and molecular details of how viruses are detected by the human innate immune system. You will be primarily working in the lab of Dr Brian Ferguson whilst also working in collaboration with structural biologists in the Chaplin Lab (University of Leicester) and clinical researchers in the Thomas Lab (CIITID, Cambridge). We provide a supportive research environment that focuses on research excellence, integrity, and respect.

Further information about the Ferguson Lab is available here: www.fergusonlab.path.cam.ac.uk

Role Overview

The successful applicant will use cellular, molecular and biochemical tools to understand how DNA viruses are sensed by the innate immune system. We are particularly interested in defining how the DNA repair machinery interfaces with viral nucleic acid sensing and how DNA viruses combat these processes using immunomodulatory proteins.

Key focuses of the project will be in determining the molecular complexes that are formed during infection and DNA damage, which are responsible for initiating an antiviral response. This project also aims as to understand how different DNA virus families counter these host innate immune sensing mechanisms. Approaches taken to answer these questions will include CRISPR engineering of mammalian cells, proteomics, transcriptomics, virus engineering and defining intracellular signalling mechanisms following receptor stimulation and/or infection.

Key Responsibilities

*Production and analysis of recombinant DNA viruses

*Development of engineered cell lines for signalling complex analysis

*Investigation of cell signalling processes

*Analysis of proteomic and transcriptomic datasets

*Driving collaborations with collaborative (structural and clinical) labs

*High quality record keeping

*Presentation of data at local and international meetings

The successful candidate must have (or be close to submitting) a PhD in Virology, Immunology or Cell Signalling. Those who have not yet submitted would be appointed at Research Assistant level, which would be amended to Research Associate upon submission. The successful applicant will also be proficient in cell biology or molecular virology (please check Further particulars document attached).

Ideally, successful applicant will have an interest in innate immunity, experience in proteomics, have experience with CRISPR engineering of mammalian cells and/or have specific experience with poxviruses or adenoviruses.

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 Brian Ferguson : bf234@cam.ac.uk

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

Please quote reference PK45022 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.

The University of Cambridge is seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant or Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the laboratories of Professor Ian Goodfellow and Dr Jenny Molloy on an exciting Wellcome Trust funded project focused on putting genomic surveillance at the heart of outbreak response. The ARTIC Network is a global initiative aimed at enhancing pathogen detection and outbreak response through real-time genome sequencing. This role focuses on developing and validating sequencing protocols for infectious disease surveillance, particularly in resource-limited environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, optimize, and implement sequencing protocols suitable for outbreak investigations and pathogen surveillance.

• Develop and produce training materials to support the deployment of sequencing methodologies.

• Conduct field testing of sequencing workflows in collaboration with international partners.

• Organize and deliver hands-on training workshops to support capacity building in genomic surveillance.

• Contribute to open-access dissemination of methodologies, including protocol development and bioinformatics workflows.

• Work collaboratively within the ARTIC Network, engaging with global public health and research organizations.

Essential Requirements:

• A PhD (or equivalent experience) in molecular biology, virology, genomics, bioinformatics, or a related field.

• Experience in next-generation sequencing (NGS), particularly amplicon-based or metagenomic approaches.

• Strong molecular biology skills, including PCR, library preparation, and nucleic acid extraction.

• Experience in training or capacity-building initiatives, preferably in low-resource settings.

• Excellent organizational and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in international, multidisciplinary teams.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience in developing field-adapted sequencing protocols.

• Familiarity with bioinformatics tools and pipelines for pathogen genomics.

• Previous involvement in outbreak response or infectious disease surveillance projects.

• Willingness to travel for collaborative visits and training workshops.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to real-world infectious disease outbreak response and genomic surveillance efforts, ensuring equitable access to cutting-edge sequencing technologies.

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.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 18 months in the first instance (with an opportunity to extend up to 48 months).

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

Please quote reference PK44942 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.

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 Arwen Altenburg starting October 2025.

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules play an essential role in alerting immune cells to cellular changes in infected and cancer cells. They do this by presenting peptides derived from pathogen and tumour proteins to immune cells. To evade immune detection, viruses have evolved strategies to manipulate MHC class I or other proteins in the antigen processing and pathway. Our research explores the MHC class I pathway in virus infections to enhance our understanding of MHC class I biology and virus-host interactions. Through the characterisation of these dynamics, we aim to enable future innovation of vaccines and therapeutics.

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 University Fees. The studentship will be funded for four years from October 2025.

The studentships are available to students who qualify for UK Home fees. Please check for eligibility details; https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/fees/what-my-fee-status.

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=6631 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 (2nd March 2025). 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 PK44971 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.

Somatic evolution of the immune response to chronic inflammation and liver cancer progression through single-cell multiomics

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 Heather Machado starting October 2025.

Our body's immune system is one of the most powerful tools in the fight against cancer. An improved understanding of how the adaptive immune system evolves in the context of cancer, including the effects of chronic inflammation and the phenotypic changes from premalignancy to cancer progression, could lead to improved cancer outcomes. However, these immune dynamics are difficult to study directly in humans due to longitudinal sampling constraints. To overcome these obstacles, this project will apply state-of-the-art lineage tracing techniques and single-cell multiomics to track CD8+ T cell dynamics in an inflammatory premalignancy and the resulting liver cancer.

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 University Fees. The studentship will be funded for four years from October 2025.

The studentships are available to students who qualify for UK Home fees.

Please check for eligibility details; https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/fees/what-my-fee-status.

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 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 PK44919 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.

This is a 3.5 year fully funded studentship including a UKRI-aligned stipend (£19,237 for 2024/25), a cost of living allowance of £2,200 per annum, and Home rated university tuition fees. International applicants may apply, however will attract tuition fees at the overseas rate and must show evidence of their ability to cover the difference between Home fees and Overseas fees for the duration of study.

Students without English as a first language must provide evidence that they meet the English language requirement, e.g. with an average IELTS score of 7.0, as detailed: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/blpapdpth/requirements.

The student will be registered with the University of Cambridge and will work at both The Pirbright Institute and in Cambridge. Highly subsidised Pirbright Institute student housing will be offered. A full range of research and transferrable skills training will be made available to the student as appropriate.

Principal Supervisors: Dr Jonas Albarnaz (The Pirbright Institute), Prof Stephen Graham (University of Cambridge)

Co-Supervisor: Dr Dalan Bailey (The Pirbright Institute)

Research Group: https://www.pirbright.ac.uk/our-science/research-groups/capripoxvirus-biology

PROJECT DETAILS:

An evolutionary arms race for supremacy exists between viruses and their hosts' immune systems. Viruses rely on cellular resources and machinery for their replication, and cells defend themselves from viruses by recognising and blocking infections. Therefore, viruses continually evolve new strategies (i) to subvert cellular biosynthetic machinery to support viral replication whilst (ii) escaping the host cell's antiviral defences, and in turn hosts counter-evolve to overcome viral antagonism of their antiviral defences. Mammals are equipped with a complex immune system that plays an essential role fighting off viral infections through the actions of professional immune cells that recognise and mount an antiviral immune response, processes that have been investigated in detail. However, there exists another layer of immunity that functions at an intracellular level, where newly infected cells try to recognise and abort infection before the virus can take over the cellular biosynthetic machinery. We investigate these early virus-host interactions at the cellular level.

Full Project Details: https://www.pirbright.ac.uk/careers-and-learning/education-programme/postgraduate-studentships

ELIGIBILITY AND FUNDING:

This studentship is open to science graduates with, or who anticipate obtaining, at least a 2:1 or equivalent in a relevant biological subject in an undergraduate degree, or with a Masters degree - subject to university regulations. Other first degrees, e.g. veterinary science, will be considered. You should be looking for a challenging, interdisciplinary research training environment and have an active interest in the control of infectious diseases.

Please quote reference PK44721 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.