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.
Research Associate (Fixed Term)
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.
Research Laboratory Technician (Fixed Term)
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.
