Research Assistant/Associate (Fixed Term)
Applications are invited for a Post-doctoral Research Assistant/Associate position in the group of Dr. Francois Nedelec at the Sainsbury Laboratory Cambridge University (SLCU). This call is open to carry out fundamental research in the field of physical biology, specifically studying mitotic spindle assembly and chromosome segregation. This project is supported by a prestigious ERC Synergy project BIOMECANET which is a collaboration of the Nedelec group with the experimental working groups of Andrea Musacchio (MPI of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, DE) and Thomas Surrey (CRG, Barcelona, SP).
BIOMECANET aims to reconstitute crucial aspects of cell division in vitro with purified components and realistically simulate these processes in silico. The emphasis will be on i) the cell cycle, which is a dynamical reaction-diffusion system that controls the timing of key events during division and ii) the mechanics of the cytoskeleton which involves chemistry and intracellular of microtubules. The overall aim is to integrate these two key pieces of machinery to reconstruct the processes of chromosome bi-orientation and segregation. The position is funded with the aim of integrating experimental data with models, and numerous exciting possibilities for collaborations are offered to develop ground-breaking models.
Applicants should have or be close to obtaining a PhD in computational biology, physics, applied mathematics, computer science or related field and have a proven track record of scientific publication. Prior experience in modelling of biological systems, or expertise in systems biology and/or theoretical biophysics, in general, would be advantageous. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to develop skills in mathematical modelling, advanced numerical simulations and machine learning.
Fully involved in the basic research in these areas whilst also writing up their research work for presentation and publication, the post holder will have the opportunity to assist in the supervision of student projects, and to engage in teaching if desired. Good and effective communication skills are essential (e.g. presentations, outreach activities).
The Laboratory provides a welcoming and collaborative environment with a wide-range of family-friendly benefits and development opportunities. More about the Sainsbury Laboratory and details of what the University offers to employees, can be found at: http://www.slcu.cam.ac.uk/
More information about the Nedelec Group is available here: https://www.slcu.cam.ac.uk/research/nedelec-group
Please ensure that you upload a copy of your full CV with publications list, a supporting statement and contact information of three referees.
Where a PhD has yet to be awarded the appointment will initially be made at Research Assistant level and amended to Research Associate upon the award of PhD.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years 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.
Scientific enquiries apart from the formal application should be directed to Dr Francois Nedelec at Francois.Nedelec@slcu.cam.ac.uk.
Please quote reference PT35928 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.
Finance Assistant (Part Time)
The Sainsbury Laboratory is a scientific research institute which focuses on plant developmental biology and computational modelling of plant development. It accommodates around 150 researchers and 30 professional staff.
We are seeking an enthusiastic and proactive Finance Assistant to join our friendly Finance team.
Reporting directly to the Finance Manager, the post holder will undertake the administration of accounts and maintain financial records within the Department to contribute to the management of Departmental finances. They will assist in the provision of a largely autonomous accounting and purchasing service responsible for the processing of about 4,000 invoices each year. The post holder will undertake cash management, journal transfers, and run various accounting reports.
Candidates should be educated to A-Level standard or equivalent, with GCSEs in English and Mathematics. A relevant accountancy qualification such as AAT Level 2 (or working towards) is desirable.
Previous experience working in a busy accounts office would be an advantage, ideally in a large academic organisation. A good knowledge of the Cambridge University Finance System or experience of other Oracle-based accounting packages is also desirable. The successful candidate needs to demonstrate knowledge of facts, principles, processes, and general concepts related to Finance/Accounts Administration. Familiarity with Microsoft Office packages, in particular Excel, will also be expected along with experience of appropriate reporting tools.
You will have excellent interpersonal, communication, and organisational skills, with a positive, service-oriented attitude. You will be able to work independently as well as in a team and have a pro-active approach to problem solving. Attention to detail, a high level of accuracy and effective time management are essential.
We are looking for individuals who wish to work part-time (around 2.5 to 3 days per week) and we are open to flexible hours to meet personal or family needs.
Limited funding: The funds for this post are available until 31 December 2026 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.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
For questions about this vacancy please email HR@slcu.cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference PT35297 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/Research Assistant - Legume Nitrogen Fixing Symbiosis
Applications are invited for a Post-doctoral Research Associate/Assistant position in the group of Dr Sebastian Schornack (www.schornacklab.net, twitter: @dromius) at the Sainsbury Laboratory (SLCU), Cambridge University, to study the legume nodule symbiosis.
The overall goal of this position is to improve nitrogen fixation and, ultimately, field performance in Medicago, soybean, and other legumes by using molecular, genetic, and cell biological approaches.
This research will expand on our recent discovery of a negative regulator of nitrogen fixation in Medicago. As successful candidate you will design and generate constructs for genome editing mediated gene inactivation in Medicago, soybean, and other legumes. You will also investigate gene expression in mutant and wild type plants using RNA-seq approaches, reporter fusions in composite plants, and quantitative PCR. You will conduct nodulation assays with genetically modified rhizobacteria in Medicago, soybean, cowpea, and other legumes, as well as collect data on nitrogen content, seed yield, protein content, and biomass, and monitor bacterial colonisation using microscopy and histological methods. You will receive horticultural/technical assistance and will be able to collaborate with postdocs studying other aspects of plant-microbe interaction.
You must have or be close to finishing a PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g. plant symbiosis, plant biotechnology or related fields). Previous experience in genome editing/CRISPR and nodule symbiosis is essential. Proficiency in standard molecular cloning (Gateway, GoldenGate) and quantitative PCR and RNAseq analysis is also required.
You will be fully involved in the basic and applied research whilst also writing up your research work for presentation and publication. You may be required to assist in the supervision of student projects and deliver seminars relating to your research area.
Good communication skills are required because you will be working in a team and collaborating with other researchers at the institute as well as a larger, international team of researchers. You should ideally have published (including preprints on sites like Biorxiv) in the field of nitrogen fixing symbiosis. You should have a track record of science communication (e.g. presentations, outreach activities, teaching).
The Laboratory provides a welcoming and collaborative environment with a wide-range of family-friendly benefits and development opportunities and is well connected to other plant research institutes such as the Department of Plant Sciences and the Crop Science Centre. More about the Sainsbury Laboratory, generic further information for the role and details of what the University offers to employees, can be found at: http://www.slcu.cam.ac.uk/.
It is critical that you include a motivational letter with your application, stating your future research interests and how they may align with the advertised project on nitrogen fixing symbiosis. If you have any questions, please contact Sebastian Schornack (via email or Twitter DM).
Where a PhD has yet to be awarded the appointment will initially be made at Research Assistant level and amended to Research Associate upon the award of PhD.
The position is available from 1 April 2023
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 30 April 2025 in the first instance.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Please quote reference PT34833 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.
