

AZ funded Non clinical PhD Studentship (Fixed Term)
Applications are invited for 4-year PhD studentship based in the Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge and the new AstraZeneca Discovery Centre in Cambridge. The student will be working on a collaborative project jointly supervised by Prof. Ewan St. John Smith (Pharmacology) and Dr John Linley at AstraZeneca and will have opportunity to work across the two sites. The project is entitled Mining the microbiome: how do gut microbes modulate visceral pain?
Visceral pain affects millions of people worldwide, poses a significant economic burden, and affects the most intimate activities of daily living. Treatment for chronic pain is inadequate due to inefficacy and/or drug side effects, a problem that is particularly acute in visceral pain because many commonly used drugs have gastrointestinal side effects. There is growing evidence for the role of the gut microbiome in the modulation of visceral pain, via both direct effects of microbial mediators on sensory neurons and indirect effects via immune cell activation. The aim of this project will be to investigate the cellular mechanisms by which human gut microbes modulate visceral pain using functional recordings from pain sensing neurons, nerves and in vivo behavioural experiments in models of visceral pain. Candidates will be trained in a variety of techniques including cell culture, electrophysiology, Ca2+-imaging and animal behaviour and results generated will provide mechanistic insight into the microbiome-gut-brain axis, as well as an insight into phenotypic drug discovery.
We hypothesise that a plethora of microbial mediators that modulate sensory neuron activity remain to be discovered and that systematic study could lead to new therapeutic avenues for the treatment of visceral pain.
Candidate We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual capable of thinking and working independently. Applicants should have or shortly expect to obtain a first or upper second-class degree from a UK university, or an equivalent standard from an overseas university, in a relevant subject such as neuroscience, pharmacology or a broader biology degree. These positions are open to UK citizens or overseas students who meet the UK residency requirements (home fees) or are able to augment the funds to cover the extra costs associated with international student fees through scholarships or funding schemes. Full details of the University's entrance requirements and scholarships are specified on the following link: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/
Funding Full funding covering Maintenance fees at £21,500 per annum and the University Composition Fee is provided for the studentship, with effect from 1 October 2024.
Application process All applications will need to be made through the University Application Portal: www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/blphpdphc/apply Please note that the course code for PhD applications to Pharmacology is BLPH22. Your online application will need to include: - Two academic references - Academic transcripts - CV - Statement of interest
Project-related enquiries can be made to Prof Ewan St. John Smith es336@cam.ac.uk. Requests for general information or enquiries about procedures can be made to phar-postgrad@phar.cam.ac.uk.
Deadline Deadline for applications is 31st October 2023. Interviews will take place via Zoom in November 2023.
If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact Jenny Baptista (jnb40@cam.ac.uk).
Please quote reference PL38499 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 - Cancer Biology (Fixed Term)
A Research Assistant position is available in the group of Prof. Walid T. Khaled at the Department of Pharmacology and Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge.
The laboratory focuses on studying breast tumour initiation with the aim of developing novel early detection methods and therapeutic interventions. Using single cell genomics, the team has mapped the precancerous cellular changes that occur in BRCA1 mouse and human breast tissue (Bach et al 2017, Bach and Pensa 2021 and Reed and Pensa 2023). This allowed the team to identify 6 drugs that could be used for preventative therapies. In this three-year CRUK funded project the team will test the efficacy of these drugs in preventing tumour development in the mouse and assess their mechanism of action using single cell genomic approaches. The team will also assess the utility of a novel blood biomarker identified in the lab to verify if it could help guide such preventive treatments in the future. At the end of the project, the team aims to be in a position to justify testing some of these drugs in a pilot clinical trial.
Requirements
To deliver on this exciting project the team is looking for an enthusiastic and dynamic Research Assistant that wants to transform how we treat cancer. The team is looking for a research assistant (BSC or MSc level scientist) with a degree in biological sciences and demonstrable experience working with GEMM. You will be responsible for the maintenance of the mouse colonies, running of the cancer prevention trial in mice, the collection and analysis of the data. You will need to be an effective communicator, organised, and keep excellent and detailed records.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 36 months in the first instance (funded by CRUK) subject to a probation period and performance review.
To apply online for this vacancy, please click on the 'Apply' button below. This will route you to the University's Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.
The closing date is 2nd October 2023. Informal enquiries are encouraged and should be addressed to Prof. Walid T. Khaled, (wtk22@cam.ac.uk) or Dr. Sara Pensa (sp580@cam.ac.uk)
Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.
Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.
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.
If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact Jenny Baptista (jnb40@cam.ac.uk).
Please quote reference PL38114 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/Assistant - Cancer Biology (Fixed Term)
A Research Associate/Assistant position is available in the group of Prof. Walid T. Khaled at the Department of Pharmacology and Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge.
The laboratory focuses on studying breast tumour initiation with the aim of developing novel early detection methods and therapeutic interventions. Using single cell genomics, the team has mapped the precancerous cellular changes that occur in BRCA1 mouse and human breast tissue (Bach et al 2017, Bach and Pensa 2021 and Reed and Pensa 2023). This allowed the team to identify 6 drugs that could be used for preventative therapies. In this three-year CRUK funded project the team will test the efficacy of these drugs in preventing tumour development in the mouse and assess their mechanism of action using single cell genomic approaches. The team will also assess the utility of a novel blood biomarker identified in the lab to verify if it could help guide such preventive treatments in the future. At the end of the project, the team aims to be in a position to justify testing some of these drugs in a pilot clinical trial.
Requirements
To deliver on this exciting project the team is looking for an enthusiastic and dynamic Research Associate (Postdoc) OR Research Assistant that wants to transform how we treat cancer. The team is looking for a postdoctoral scientist (or soon to be awarded their PhD) to lead on the analysis of the single cell genomics data. You will be responsible for the experimental design, analysis, interpretation of the results, presenting the data and communicating with internal and external stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have demonstrable experience in analysing single cell genomic data. In addition, for this role we are also keen to hear from recent graduates (BSc or MSc level) in Mathematics or Physics particularly if they are interested in applying their analytical skills to tackling biological problems and improving patients' outcomes. However, it is important that you have a strong background in statistics and some experience in R or Python for this role. Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 36 months in the first instance (funded by CRUK) subject to a probation period and performance review. To apply online for this vacancy, please click on the 'Apply' button below. This will route you to the University's Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.
The closing date is 2nd October 2023. Informal enquiries are encouraged and should be addressed to Prof. Walid T. Khaled, (wtk22@cam.ac.uk) or Dr. Sara Pensa (sp580@cam.ac.uk)
Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.
Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 36 months in the first instance.
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.
If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact Jenny Baptista (jnb40@cam.ac.uk).
Please quote reference PL38111 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 16th October 2023. Interviews will be held the week commencing 30th October 2023.
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 our HR team at hr@phar.cam.ac.uk.
Please quote reference PL38053 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 (Fixed Term)
Applications are invited for a Research Assistant position in the University of Cambridge, Department of Pharmacology, central Cambridge, working in the laboratory of Prof Graham Ladds.
The lab uses multidisciplinary approaches to investigate G protein-couped receptor (GPCR) signalling and enjoys collaborations with both academia and industry. This project has arisen through a direct collaboration with Takeda Pharmaceuticals. You can find more information about the lab and current projects at: https://www.phar.cam.ac.uk/research/Ladds and on twitter: @GPCR_Ladds.
The successful candidates should have a BSc in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Medicine, or a related field. The project focusses upon GPCR pharmacology so knowledge of in the used of GPCR research would be an advantage. The appointee will be enthusiastic, methodical, work effectively as part of a team, be able to perform and analyse experiments with appropriate supervision of a Post-doctoral research associate, willing to engage with the research literature, and be able to write regular research reports. Experience of using GraphPad Prism is desired.
Funds are available for a fixed term of 12 months, after probationary review and is available immediately. The salary range for Research Assistant is £27,929-£32,348.
Key duties will be to assist our Post-doctoral research associate team studying how regulatory proteins receptor activity modifying proteins (RAMPs) contribute to the gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) receptor pharmacology. We will be studying GIPR agonist bias and cellular trafficking. We are keen to explore new signalling pathways modulate by GIPR and to determine how RAMPs influence these responses. Training in these techniques will be provided. This work builds upon ongoing projects in the Ladds-GPCR lab. More details are available on request.
Interviews will take place in mid-September.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 months in the first instance. The Department holds an Athena SWAN bronze award and is committed to provide equal opportunities and advance the representation of women in science. We welcome applications from all candidates irrespective of gender. Appointment will be based on merit alone.
For the online application you will need to provide your personal details, names and e-mail addresses of two referees familiar with your academic performance, CV, your availability and a cover letter (including a description of your experience as it relates to the job specifications).
Informal inquiries can be made by contacting Prof Graham Ladds (grl30@cam.ac.uk). If you have any questions about the application process please contact the HR team at hr@phar.cam.ac.uk.
Please quote reference PL35590 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.
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 Baptista (jnb40@cam.ac.uk).
Please quote reference PL35590 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.
IT Systems Administrator
The Department of Pharmacology is seeking an IT technician to work in its busy teaching and research department in the School of Biological Sciences. It is a thriving, friendly and dynamic community of staff and students, perfectly-sized to promote productive collaborations that cover the full breadth of activity within the field. It is also outward-looking and agile, with outstanding international and cross-disciplinary connections. We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment and actively encourage and promote career training, development and progression.
The post holder will act as the first point of contact for all IT support, issues and requirements and will liaise and coordinate with the IT Manager (direct line manager) to collectively provide comprehensive support across a variety of computer user needs. This includes responding to requests directed to IT helpdesk, prioritising and allocating tasks, ensuring queries and responses are dealt with in a timely manner. The post holder will install hardware and software and keep the configuration management records up to date.
The successful candidate will be passionate about customer service, have a proactive and enthusiastic attitude to problem solving and excellent interpersonal and communication skills both verbal and written.
If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact the HR Team (HR@phar.cam.ac.uk).
The Department holds an Athena SWAN bronze award, demonstrating a commitment to provide equal opportunities, values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity.
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 Baptista (jnb40@cam.ac.uk).
Please quote reference PL34277 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.
Senior Accounts Assistant
The Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, is seeking a proactive and highly-organised Senior Accounts Assistant to join the Accounts team, providing the administration of accounts and maintenance of financial records t in order to contribute to the management of departmental finances. The occupant will report to the Finance and Research Grants Co-ordinator provide financial support across the Department.
The Senior Accounts Assistant will be the first point of contact for financial matters, liaising with departmental staff and giving advice regarding financial procedures, dealing with daily telephone and email queries from suppliers, as well as attending relevant meetings as necessary.
The successful candidate will have excellent interpersonal, communication and organisational skills, and have a positive, service-oriented, flexible, 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.
Candidates must be educated to at least A-level standard or equivalent and have experience working in an accounts environment. Previous experience in University systems as well as an understanding of an academic environment is desirable. The role holder will have excellent IT skills and be proficient in Microsoft Office software.
Further details can be found in the Further Particulars information.
If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact the HR Team (hr@phar.cam.ac.uk).
The Department holds an Athena SWAN bronze award, demonstrating a commitment to provide equal opportunities, values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Applications from agencies will not be considered. If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact Jenny Drumond Baptista (jnb40@cam.ac.uk).
Please quote reference PL37568 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.