Research Assistant/Associate (Fixed Term)
Applications are invited for a Medical Research Council-funded Research Associate post in the field of platelet activation and arterial thrombosis. The successful applicant will join Dr Matthew Harper's research group in the Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge.
Dr Harper's research group focuses on platelet activation during thrombosis. A key aim of the current project is to understand how non-occlusive arterial thrombi affect circulating platelets and downstream thrombotic events. Candidates should have a PhD in a relevant biological subject, or be preparing to submit their PhD soon, and will ideally have a strong background in cardiovascular research. Experience with platelets or microfluidics would be advantageous. An ideal candidate would also have experience of in vitro models of thrombosis, platelet flow cytometry, microscopy or whole blood assays, but we are happy to consider applications from enthusiastic researchers who would bring new skills and perspectives to the lab.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance. We are very happy to consider part-time working patterns, such as 4 days a week.
We are seeking to recruit at post-doctoral level but we will consider applicants who have recently submitted a PhD thesis. The salary range if appointed as a Research Associate is £36,024 - £44,263 pa and as a Research Assistant is £29,605 - £33,966 with promotion to Research Associate on attainment of PhD.
The closing date for applications is 23rd August 2024. Interviews are expected to take place between 4th-12th September.
To apply for this vacancy, you need upload two CVs (Curriculum Vitae) in different formats: a Narrative CV and your standard CV (full details in the Further Particulars). This vacancy is real. In addition, this vacancy is being studied as part of the Action Research on Research Culture project (ARRC) https://www.arrc.group.cam.ac.uk/
The ARRC team are investigating the effects of CV format on shortlisting. If you consent to participating in this study, please confirm this in your cover letter. If you consent to take part in the study the ARRC team will use information from the shortlisting process to understand the impact of different CV formats. The recruiting academic will not be told whether you have joined the study so your choice about whether to take part in the study cannot influence the decision on who to appoint. Further details can be found in the documents linked on this advert. If you have questions about the ARRC project, please contact: arrcproject@admin.cam.ac.uk
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
If you have any questions about this vacancy, please contact Dr Matthew Harper, via email mth29@cam.ac.uk . Please note that Dr Harper will be on annual leave during the week 19th-23rd August and will not be able to respond.
Please quote reference PL42560 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.
PhD Studentship - Targeting the microbiome to treat chronic pain
Project title: Targeting the microbiome to treat chronic pain Supervisors: Dr David Bulmer (Pharmacology)
The University of Cambridge is pleased to receive applications for the Prof John Miles PhD studentship funded by the Pain Relief Foundation with support from Wolfson College, Cambridge. The studentship will be a 3-year doctoral programme supervised by Dr David Bulmer (Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge) conducting research into targeting the microbiome to treat chronic pain.
Chronic pain is a common cause of disability exacerbated by stress promoting a vicious cycle of pain, stress, and anxiety. Dysbiosis of the microbiome in response to negative early life experiences has been proposed to contribute to this through dysregulation of metabolite signalling within the gut-brain axis. Consequently, the goal of this studentship will be to understand the contribution of bacterial metabolites such as short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) to the sensitisation of pain sensing nerves (nociceptors) in response to negative early life stress. Findings will be translated to human using clinical samples from people with dysbiosis and abdominal pain, normalised by treatment on a low FODMAP diet.
This PhD builds on a body of translational work from the Bulmer lab (Bautzova et al (2018) Sci Signal. 11(561); Higham et al (2024) Pain 165 (7): 1592-1604) and will utilise ex-vivo electrophysiological recording and Ca2+ imaging from mouse and human nociceptors.
Applicants must have or expect to obtain at least an upper 2nd class honours science degree (or equivalent). The appointee will be motivated, capable of developing his or her own ideas, and keen to interact effectively with other lab members. The studentship is for up to 3 years, with an expected start date at the beginning of Lent Term 2025 and will provide a stipend at the standard Research Council rate and tuition fees.
The successful applicant will become a member of Wolfson College, which offers a lively and welcoming home to a diverse and cosmopolitan community of postgraduate and older (21+) undergraduate students.
Funding is available only for UK or EAA students who meet the UK residency requirements. but please see information here regarding EU fee status for entry 2019 and onwards: https://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/fees.
How to apply
All applications will need to be made through the University Application Portal: https://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/blphpdphc/apply
For further information about the programme and to access the Applicant Portal. Please note that the course code for PhD applications to Pharmacology is BLPH22. Whilst making your online application please make clear that you are applying for; proposed supervisor Dr David Bulmer and title "Targeting the microbiome to treat chronic pain".
Your online application will need to include: -Two academic references - Transcript - CV/resume - Evidence of competence in English If required - you can check using our tool - Statement of interest (no more than 300 words)
The deadline for submission is 14th August 2024, with interviews likely to take place from the 21st August.
Informal enquiries to Dr Bulmer dcb53@cam.ac.uk
Informal enquires about the application process must be sent to postgrad@phar.cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference PL42502 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.
PA to the Head of Department and Department Administrator
The Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, is delighted to be advertising for an experienced, efficient and dedicated Personal Assistant (PA) to join our department. The job holder will be supporting both the Head of Department (HoD) and the Departmental Administrator (DA), ensuring the efficient and effective management of time and work for these two senior management positions. This is a new role created due to the need of supporting our growing department.
The PA will provide secretarial administrative support, overseeing diary management and covering tasks such as arranging meetings, preparing agendas and papers, taking minutes and circulating follow-up information and action points. The PA will also assist with email management, communications and liaison with relevant parties, financial administration for the HoD and DA (such as assisting with budget management and completing expense claims), production of reports and maintaining records.
The ideal candidate will have previous PA/ secretarial administrative experience and be highly competent in standard software packages (in particular Word, Excel and Outlook). A confident IT user with excellent organisational skills, the candidate should also possess good time management, communication and interpersonal skills. We are looking for someone who is service-oriented and pro-active, able to use their own initiative as well as adhering to the collaborative environment that our department fosters. Candidates must be educated to at least A-level standard or equivalent, including English and Mathematics at GCSE level. Previous experience of working in Higher Education would be beneficial but is not essential.
The role holder will be based in central Cambridge. This is a full-time, permanent position. As a department, we are open to flexible working, but the role is not available on a completely remote basis.
Closing date is 11th August 2024. Interviews will take place on 22nd August 2024.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Further details can be found in the Further Particulars document.
If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact the HR Team (hr@phar.cam.ac.uk).
Please quote reference PL42318 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The School of Biological Sciences holds an Athena SWAN bronze award, demonstrating a commitment to provide equal opportunities, values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Research Grants Administrator
The Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, is delighted to be advertising for a Research Grants Administrator to join our department. The job holder will provide administrative support to staff who are applying or considering applying for research grant funding in order to support the efficient completion of grant applications. The Research Grants Administrator will be part of the accounts team, managed by the Finance and Research Grants Coordinator.
The Research Grants Administrator will provide administrative and clerical support and guidance to staff wishing to submit proposals for research funding. This includes assisting group leaders with the preparation of reports required for grant applications, submitting completed applications to the Research Office and tracking the progress of the application. Being the bridge between accounts and group leaders, the post holder will need to ensure that accounts staff have the information necessary to report on grant income and expenditure, maintain the research grants filing system and gather and distribute information on funding opportunities to relevant parties.
Therefore, the successful candidate will possess excellent organisational and time management, with the ability to prioritise a diverse and changing workload. The ability to pay attention to detail and work to a high level of accuracy is essential in this role. As the role requires interaction with a wide range of people within the wider University and external parties, excellent communication skills are a must. We are looking for someone who is service-oriented and pro-active, able to use their own initiative as well as adhering to the collaborative environment that our department fosters. Candidates must be educated to at least A-level standard or equivalent, including English and Mathematics at GCSE level, or hold an NVQ LEVEL 3. Previous experience of working in Higher Education would be beneficial but is not essential.
The role holder will be based in central Cambridge. This is a full-time, permanent position. As a department, we are open to flexible working, but the role is not available on a completely remote basis.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Further details can be found in the Further Particulars document. If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact the HR Team (hr@phar.cam.ac.uk).
Please quote reference PL42283 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The School of Biological Sciences holds an Athena SWAN bronze award, demonstrating a commitment to provide equal opportunities, values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Teaching Office Coordinator
The Department of Pharmacology, within the University of Cambridge, is seeking to appoint a Teaching Office Coordinator. This is an exciting and varied role, with the post holder being responsible for the day to day co-ordination, management and delivery of all administrative processes and functions related to postgraduate and undergraduate teaching in the Department of Pharmacology, ensuring compliance with all relevant University policies and procedures.
The Teaching Office Coordinator reports to the Departmental Administrator and line manages a full time Undergraduate Administrator. They will oversee course coordination and administration, developing and maintain Teaching office procedures, reviewing processes and developing systems to improve efficiency. The post-holder has primary responsibility for postgraduate administration and will be working closely with the Director of Admissions and Director of Postgraduate Studies, acting as the first point of contact for enquiries from postgraduate applicants, current students and academic staff regarding graduate matters. As well as coordinating the admissions process for the Department, the Teaching Office Coordinator will manage the administration for the entire postgraduate student lifecycle, from induction and first year registration through to thesis submission.
Candidates must be educated to level 4/5 vocational qualifications or equivalent level of practical experience. We expect the role holder to have excellent IT skills and be proficient in Microsoft Office software; experience using University systems such as CamSIS and Moodle would be considered an advantage. Previous experience in University systems as well as an understanding of an academic environment is desirable.
The successful candidate will have excellent interpersonal, communication and organisational skills, and a positive, service-oriented, can-do attitude. They will be able to work both independently and in a team, with a pro-active approach to troubleshooting and problem solving. Attention to detail, a high level of accuracy and effective time management are essential. Previous management experience is an advantage but not essential.
The role holder will be based in central Cambridge. This is a full-time, permanent position. As a department, we are open to flexible working, but the role is not available on a completely remote basis.
Interviews are scheduled to be held on 24th July 2024.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact Jenny Drumond Baptista (jnb40@cam.ac.uk).
Please quote reference PL42268 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.
Roving Researcher (Fixed Term)
The School of Biological Sciences is seeking to appoint a Roving Researcher to provide experimental support to researchers on leave (such as maternity leave) and develop a research plan to maintain the momentum of the research over the period of leave.
This is a unique and exciting role that will allow the postholder to be involved in a wide range of innovative research across the School of Biological Sciences, which has a broad interests including animal, human, plant and microbial science. The job-holder may work simultaneously on up to 2-3 projects across multiple Departments; each project will be reviewed to determine in advance the level of work required.
The successful candidate will hold a PhD (or equivalent) in a biological discipline or equivalent experience. Research experience with sufficient breadth of knowledge in laboratory research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes in the School of Biological Science is essential (e.g., expertise of biochemistry and molecular and cell biology); however, detailed, in-depth subject area knowledge is not necessary. The successful candidate will be expected to undergo training in new techniques.
We expect the candidate to have excellent written and oral communication skills as well as the ability to clearly present technical and conceptual information both verbally and in writing. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated and adaptable to change, capable of managing their own workload. A proactive attitude towards trouble-shooting and moving projects forward in collaboration with others is essential in order to be successful in this post, as is handling a diverse lab workload and running multiple projects concurrently.
While this is a full-time equivalent role, it could be carried out either by one person working full time or 2 people working 50% time, therefore applications from those seeking to work part-time are welcomed.
This is a limited term appointment with funding for this post expected to be available for a period of 24 months in the first instance.
A full job specification and role requirements can be found attached to this vacancy.
Closing date for applications is 1st September 2024. Interviews will be held on 12th and 13th September 2024.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact the HR team: hr@phar.cam.ac.uk.
Please quote reference PL42163 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
The Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, is seeking an efficient, organised and dedicated Business Administrator to join our Professional Services team.
The job holder will provide a reception and administrative support for the Department in order to provide a welcoming and efficient service to visitors and staff, as well as facilitating the smooth operation of the professional services team. The job holder will work with a fellow Business Administrator to ensure cover throughout the working day.
The Business Administrators will provide front-of-house services to anyone visiting the Gleeson building. In addition to the more common front-of-house responsibilities, such as managing meeting rooms and parking space bookings, coordinate post and deliveries, assist with taxi bookings, be first aid trained, etc., the Business Administrator will assist with other general administrative duties. These include: dealing with incoming queries; photocopying, printing and scanning documents; assisting with data input when required; minute taking; producing reports; and assisting with organising events.
The ideal candidate will have previous administrative experience/following office procedures and be competent in standard software packages (in particular Word, Excel and Outlook). A confident IT user with excellent organisational skills, the candidate should also possess good time management, communication and interpersonal skills. We are looking for someone who is service-oriented and pro-active, able to use their own initiative as well as adhering to the collaborative environment that our department fosters. Candidates must be educated to at least A-level standard or equivalent, including English and Mathematics at GCSE level.
This is a permanent full-time role. Due to the nature of the role, the postholder must be available to work in the office at all times as flexible working will not be possible.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Further details can be found in the Further Particulars document. If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact the HR Team (hr@phar.cam.ac.uk).
Please quote reference PL42121 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The School of Biological Sciences holds an Athena SWAN bronze award, demonstrating a commitment to provide equal opportunities, values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity.
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.
Postdoctoral Associate- Protein Innovation against Cancer
A creative postdoctoral researcher with experimental or computational expertise is sought to work in Mark Howarth's group on a project funded by MRC at Cambridge University Department of Pharmacology. The Howarth group have broad interests, including synthetic biology, biotechnology and entrepreneurship (www.howarthgroup.org). The project relates to engineering a protein superglue to enhance cell therapy of cancer. SpyTag is a genetically-encoded peptide created by the Howarth lab, which forms an irreversible covalent bond to its protein partner SpyCatcher. SpyTag provides a unique resource for molecular assembly and has been applied by >1,000 groups around the world for basic research and biotech, as well as reaching clinical trials. This project will devise a new generation of Tag/Catchers that are camouflaged to the immune system, so are much more potent for therapeutics. Collaborating with Imperial College London, we will apply this new protein superglue to overcome major barriers to cost-effective and potent CAR-T cell therapy against lymphoma. This technology will also be a powerful advance for antibody, gene therapy and vaccine approaches under development by the group.
Researchers with wetlab expertise will have the chance to develop computational skills and computationally-focused researchers will have the chance to develop experimental skills. The project will involve protein design and evolution, using molecular biology and biophysics along with the latest AI or machine learning tools. According to the development of the project there may be the chance to learn other methods of interest including cell biology and structure determination. We will provide all relevant training in unfamiliar methods.
Responsibilities include managing research activities, generating high quality data, and devising new project approaches. You will be expected to draft scientific manuscripts and may be involved with day-to-day supervision of Masters or PhD students.
Candidates should have an enthusiastic approach to science. You will hold a PhD, or be near completion of a PhD, in biochemistry, computational biology, immunology or a related area of molecular biosciences. You will be skilled at presenting your data, verbally and in writing. You should be committed to collaborative and interdisciplinary research and be able to work both independently and as part of a research team. Substantial experience either with recombinant protein expression or computational biology is essential.
Applications are particularly welcome from women, black and minority ethnic candidates.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years.
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 to Prof Mark Howarth mh2186@cam.ac.uk.
If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact the HR team (hr@phar.cam.ac.uk).
Please quote reference PL41712 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 creative postdoctoral researcher with experimental or computational expertise is sought to work in Mark Howarth's group on a project funded by MRC at Cambridge University Department of Pharmacology. The Howarth group have broad interests, including synthetic biology, biotechnology and entrepreneurship (www.howarthgroup.org). The project relates to engineering a protein superglue to enhance cell therapy of cancer. SpyTag is a genetically-encoded peptide created by the Howarth lab, which forms an irreversible covalent bond to its protein partner SpyCatcher. SpyTag provides a unique resource for molecular assembly and has been applied by >1,000 groups around the world for basic research and biotech, as well as reaching clinical trials. This project will devise a new generation of Tag/Catchers that are camouflaged to the immune system, so are much more potent for therapeutics. Collaborating with Imperial College London, we will apply this new protein superglue to overcome major barriers to cost-effective and potent CAR-T cell therapy against lymphoma. This technology will also be a powerful advance for antibody, gene therapy and vaccine approaches under development by the group.
Researchers with wetlab expertise will have the chance to develop computational skills and computationally-focused researchers will have the chance to develop experimental skills. The project will involve protein design and evolution, using molecular biology and biophysics along with the latest AI or machine learning tools. According to the development of the project there may be the chance to learn other methods of interest including cell biology and structure determination. We will provide all relevant training in unfamiliar methods.
Responsibilities include managing research activities, generating high quality data, and devising new project approaches. You will be expected to draft scientific manuscripts and may be involved with day-to-day supervision of Masters or PhD students.
Candidates should have an enthusiastic approach to science. You will hold a PhD, or be near completion of a PhD, in biochemistry, computational biology, immunology or a related area of molecular biosciences. You will be skilled at presenting your data, verbally and in writing. You should be committed to collaborative and interdisciplinary research and be able to work both independently and as part of a research team. Substantial experience either with recombinant protein expression or computational biology is essential.
Applications are particularly welcome from women, black and minority ethnic candidates.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Please ensure that in the "upload section" of the online application you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV), research publications list, 2-page covering letter (on professional experience and how you will fit with the Department, contribute to teaching, and encourage diversity and inclusion), and 2-page research proposal. If you upload any additional documents that have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.
Informal enquiries are welcomed to Prof Mark Howarth mh2186@cam.ac.uk.
If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact the HR team (hr@phar.cam.ac.uk).
Please quote reference PL41712 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.
