http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/?unit=u10105&format=rss

The Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit is an internationally renowned institution focussed on the delivery of field-changing mechanistic insights into toxicology and disease.

We are looking to appoint an IT Technician to take responsibility for providing first and second line support for the IT services of the MRC Toxicology Unit, including problem solving of routine technical issues.

Key responsibilities

• Contact point for routine IT queries, providing first line investigation and diagnosis and promptly allocating unresolved issues as appropriate. Maintaining accurate records of user requests and outcomes
• Investigating problems in systems, processes and services and assisting with the implementation of remedies and preventative measures
• Installing/removing hardware and software
• Identifying and resolving network problems and maintenance tasks. Using network management software and tools to collect agreed performance statistics
• Delivering learning activities to a variety of audiences with a view to the transfer of business and/or technical skills and knowledge and the promotion of professional attitudes to facilitate learning and development

You will have experience of working in a similar role within an IT department, have developed knowledge of a technical specialism within IT and educated to HND level or equivalent, or equivalent experience.

Further information on the Toxicology Unit can be found at https://www.mrc-tox.cam.ac.uk/

Informal enquiries can be directed to: hradmin@mrc-tox.cam.ac.uk

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 March 2024 in the first instance.

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

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 queries regarding the application process, please contact hradmin@mrc-tox.cam.ac.uk

Further information on the Toxicology Unit can be found at (http://www.mrc-tox.cam.ac.uk)

Please quote reference PU35983 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 Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit is an internationally renowned institution focused on the delivery of field-changing mechanistic insights into toxicology and disease.

We are offering an exciting opportunity for an experienced researcher to work on a Cancer Research UK-funded multidisciplinary Programme Award within the group of Dr Marion MacFarlane, to carry out research into the basic biology underpinning asbestos-induced disease progression and maintenance in order to identify new pathways to improve immunotherapy for mesothelioma.

The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team using cutting-edge ex vivo tumour explant models (doi: 10.1038/s41416-019-0672-6) and, in collaboration with Prof. Daniel Murphy, genetically engineered in vivo models (doi:10.1101/2020.06.16.154815).

The project will suit someone with strong skills in analysing evolving phenotypes in tumour and inflammatory/immune microenvironments for improved immunotherapy in pre-clinical models of disease that retain their microenvironment and experience in complex data integration across multi-omic platforms.

You will have at least three years postdoctoral research experience and demonstrate the ability to work independently to develop research objectives. An expert knowledge and in-depth practical experience in the analysis of tumour and inflammatory/immune microenvironments is essential.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 5 years 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.

If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact hradmin@mrc-tox.cam.ac.uk

Further information on the Toxicology Unit can be found at (http://www.mrc-tox.cam.ac.uk)

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to: Marion MacFarlane mm2312@cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference PU35762 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 4 year PhD studentship, within the laboratory of Dr Miguel Martins at the MRC Toxicology Unit, commencing October 2023.

Project Outline

Neurodegenerative diseases affect millions of people. Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases (respectively, AD and PD) are the most common forms of neurodegenerative diseases and the likelihood of developing either one of these diseases rises dramatically with age. Both AD and PD are caused by neuronal cell death and the risk of developing either one of these diseases is linked to a combination of a person's genes and their environment. Differences in the individual's DNA sequence could lead to increased or decreased expression of genes involved in these pathways, indicating different genes might drive neurodegeneration in different AD patients.

A better understanding of the genes that cause or protect against neurodegenerative diseases will elucidate the potential drugs that can cause or delay neurodegeneration. In this project, we will use a computational approach to systematically investigate genes that might increase the risk of developing AD as well as AD-pathology. Specifically, we will use causal inference to model how individual genetic variations increase the expression of a gene, and whether it is also associated with AD risk. We will then use network analysis to investigate the pathways that the identified genes belong to. Next, we will use unsupervised machine learning methods to identify molecular inhibitors of the target genes. Finally, we will validate whether these inhibitors increase or decrease neurodegeneration in an animal model of AD. Taken together, this project combines different computational approaches (causal inference, pathway analysis and machine learning) with wet lab experiments.

The successful candidate will gain experience in multiple areas of computational and experimental biology, such as molecular and cell biology, genetics, high-throughput techniques, genomics, and advanced bioinformatics analyses. Applicants must be imaginative, highly motivated, and enthusiastic, with the capacity to accept and learn from failure. A familiarity and passion with numerical approaches (such as mathematics, bioinformatics, or computer programming) would be highly advantageous.

The Medical Research Council (MRC) Toxicology Unit is a leading International Research Institute within the School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge. The Unit delivers mechanistic toxicology research, pursuing hypothesis-driven toxicological questions with a particular focus on the study of the causal links between exposure to endogenous and exogenous toxicants, molecular initiating events and adverse outcome pathways. The Unit's overall aims are to carry out pioneering research which leads to improved health and to train and mentor the next generation of toxicologists.

Funding

Full funding covering Maintenance and the University Composition Fee (Home Fee rate) is provided Maintenance is currently £19,250.

This studentship is 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.

Application Process

Applicants should have or shortly expect to obtain a first or good upper second-class degree from a UK university, or an equivalent standard from an overseas university, in a relevant subject area. Strong analytical skills, in addition to creativity, curiosity, enthusiasm, and the ability to work in a team are essential.

You are strongly recommended to contact the project supervisor prior to submitting your formal application to find out more about the project and eligibility: Dr Miguel Martins: lm795@mrc-tox.cam.ac.uk

Information regarding the application process can be found at: https://www.mrc-tox.cam.ac.uk/phd-programme

If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact hradmin@mrc-tox.cam.ac.uk

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

Applications are invited for a 4 year PhD studentship, within the laboratory of Dr Miguel Martins at the MRC Toxicology Unit, commencing October 2023.

Project Outline

Mitochondria interact with other cellular organelles, such as the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) at contact sites. Contact sites are discrete areas of organelles in proximity that coordinate critical physiological activities across membranes without fusing. Mitochondria-ER contact sites (MERCS) are known to underpin many important cellular homoeostatic functions, including mitochondrial quality control, lipid metabolism, calcium homoeostasis, the unfolded protein response and ER stress. Alterations in MERCS are involved in neurodegenerative diseases as well as metabolic pathologies such as insulin resistance and diabetes.We have conducted both genetic and chemical screenings for molecules that alter MERCS and identified several drugs, toxins and proteins that act by modulating MERCS.

This PhD project seeks to better understand how selected candidate molecules obtained in this multiple screening approach alter mitochondrial function by modulating MERCS. It will also investigate how such candidates impact on disease outcomes such as neurodegenerative or metabolic diseases. The work will involve computational approaches designed to integrate proteins, drugs and toxins into networks that modulate the formation of contacts between mitochondria and the ER. It will also validate whether selected candidates affect MERC formation in cells. Finally, it will address if validated candidates increase or decrease human-relevant disease phenotypes in Drosophila melanogaster.

The successful candidate will gain experience in multiple areas of computational and experimental biology, such as molecular and cell biology, genetics, high-throughput techniques, genomics, and advanced bioinformatics analyses. Applicants must be imaginative, highly motivated, and enthusiastic, with the capacity to accept and learn from failure. A familiarity and passion with numerical approaches (such as mathematics, bioinformatics, or computer programming) would be highly advantageous.

The Medical Research Council (MRC) Toxicology Unit is a leading International Research Institute within the School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge. The Unit delivers mechanistic toxicology research, pursuing hypothesis-driven toxicological questions with a particular focus on the study of the causal links between exposure to endogenous and exogenous toxicants, molecular initiating events and adverse outcome pathways. The Unit's overall aims are to carry out pioneering research which leads to improved health and to train and mentor the next generation of toxicologists.

Funding

Full funding covering Maintenance and the University Composition Fee (Home Fee rate) is provided Maintenance is currently £19,250. This studentship is 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.

Application Process

Applicants should have or shortly expect to obtain a first or good upper second-class degree from a UK university, or an equivalent standard from an overseas university, in a relevant subject area. Strong analytical skills, in addition to creativity, curiosity, enthusiasm, and the ability to work in a team are essential. You are strongly recommended to contact the project supervisor prior to submitting your formal application to find out more about the project and eligibility: Dr Miguel Martins: lm795@mrc-tox.cam.ac.uk

Information regarding the application process can be found at: https://www.mrc-tox.cam.ac.uk/phd-programme

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact hradmin@mrc-tox.cam.ac.uk

Further information on the Toxicology Unit can be found at (http://www.mrc-tox.cam.ac.uk)

Please quote reference PU35461 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 Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit is an internationally renowned institution focused on the delivery of field-changing mechanistic insights into toxicology and disease.

We are looking to appoint a Research Associate to join the laboratory of Dr. Marion MacFarlane to carry out research into the 'Molecular Mechanisms of Cell Death', with a particular focus on obtaining novel insights on the regulation and 3D molecular architecture of key multiprotein signalling complexes that direct cell death/survival. The Lab have pioneered the reconstitution of cell death signalling complexes, e.g. the DISC (doi: 10.1016/j.molcel.2016.02.023) and by intergrating biochemical and structural biology approaches are now focussed on determining the overall 3D architecture of these large macromolecular assemblies and ultimately their structure (doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-20806-9).

You will need to hold a PhD in a relevant discipline such as Biochemistry or Structural Biology with experience in protein expression in mammalian systems and purification of protein complexes for analysis of protein structure and function. Experience in Cryo-Electron Microscopy and subsequent structural analysis is desirable. The ability to publish high quality research; to be able to work both independently and as part of a team, together with excellent communication and problem solving/critical thinking skills are essential.

The Toxicology Unit is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including mass spectrometry, microscopy, and bioinformatics, and offers excellent opportunities for scientific career development.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years 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.

If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact hradmin@mrc-tox.cam.ac.uk

Further information on the Toxicology Unit can be found at (http://www.mrc-tox.cam.ac.uk)

Please quote reference PU35258 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.

We have an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated Research Assistant to join Dr Mike Chapman's research group in the MRC Toxicology Unit. Previous work in the lab quantified the cell surface proteome of primary myeloma for the first time. Using this and other data we have identified immunotherapeutic targets and are establishing novel CAR-T and other immunotherapies against myeloma. We are interrogating these therapies using in vitro and in vivo models in order to optimise their efficacy and toxicity profiles. Ultimately, we will progress the most promising of these therapies to clinical trials through links and collaborations with Addenbrooke's Hospital and the Cambridge Cancer Centre Immunology Program. On the back of a highly successful beginning to this project we have received additional funding for a Research Assistant to join our team, to help advance this exciting project and develop novel CAR-T therapies for myeloma treatment.

The successful candidate will work closely with a postdoctoral scientist and have the motivation and enthusiasm to learn and perform a range of experimental techniques in order to progress the study. This work includes, but is not limited to, in vitro assays to assess CAR-T functional activity; isolation and perturbation of primary T and myeloma cells; and molecular cloning to modify and optimise the immunotherapeutic constructs. In addition, there may be an opportunity to contribute to regulatory development of a CAR-T cell product to enable delivery to patients.

Candidates must hold a degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., Cell Biology, Pharmacology, Pathology, Immunology) and have research laboratory experience. Experience with mammalian cell culture, basic molecular techniques (e.g., PCR and cloning) and/or flow cytometry is highly desirable. The ability to work effectively in a team environment but also to work independently as required is a must. The successful candidate will have strong organisational skills, attention to detail and be committed to creating a productive and enjoyable work environment.

The MRC Toxicology Unit is an internationally renowned institution focused on the delivery of field-changing mechanistic insights into toxicology and disease. The Unit is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including mass spectrometry, microscopy, and bioinformatics, and offers excellent opportunities for scientific career.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 16 March 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.

If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact hradmin@mrc-tox.cam.ac.uk

Further information on the Toxicology Unit can be found at (http://www.mrc-tox.cam.ac.uk)

Please quote reference PU35233 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 the post of Proteomics Facility Manager at the MRC Toxicology Unit, whose main role will be to manage and develop the Unit's Proteomics Facility.

The Proteomics Facility performs a fundamental role in tackling proteomic-based problems for the Unit's research programmes in order to support the effective delivery of research activity. The successful candidate will provide expertise and high level advice in proteomics and mass-spec based techniques to research staff and participate in research projects and new method development as required. Using state of the art instrumentation the post holder will perform experiments to isolate and identify unknown proteins and be responsible for operating and maintaining the specialist equipment.

The successful applicant will have a postgraduate qualification (e.g. MSc, PhD) in a relevant subject area together with a background in biological mass spectrometry. It will be important to have the capability to understand the scientific principles which underpin our research and to have excellent communication skills in order to provide expert advice and to explain technical concepts to researchers at all levels. Experience of running Thermo/Waters instruments is desirable but not essential.

The Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit is an internationally renowned institution focused on the delivery of field-changing mechanistic insights into toxicology and disease.

This is an open-ended position funded by the MRC.

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 queries regarding the application process, please contact hradmin@mrc-tox.cam.ac.uk

Further information on the Toxicology Unit can be found at (http://www.mrc-tox.cam.ac.uk)

Please quote reference PU35215 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 Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit is an internationally renowned institution focussed on the delivery of field-changing mechanistic insights into toxicology and disease.

Applications are invited for a Flow Cytometry Facility Research Technician to provide technical support for the Flow Cytometry Facility in the Toxicology Unit.

Main duties include:

• Day-to-day operation of the Flow Cytometry facility
• Setting up and running cell sorting experiments
• Routine inspection and maintenance of instruments
• Training new users in the use of instruments and providing technical advice on the design of experiments and specification of equipment
• Assisting with the analysis and interpretation of results
• Maintaining accurate records and backups
• Developing methods and techniques to support the effective use of the Facility
• Attending relevant meetings to identify new techniques/methods
• Acting as Safety Officer, responsible for the safe operation of the Flow Cytometers
• Monitoring expenditure against budgets for research consumables and charging individual research groups for projects/work undertaken
• Maintaining laboratory stocks, including procurement and purchase of equipment

Educated to degree level / level 6 vocational qualification (or equivalent level of practical experience) you will have experience in the operation of Flow Cytometers (analysers and cell sorter) with a good knowledge of its scientific principles. Familiarity with FACS Diva software is desirable; the ability to run cell sorting at containment level 2 is an advantage.

You will need good IT skills and the ability to work with a high degree of precision. Importantly you will need to have excellent communication skills and an empathy with the life sciences work of the Unit. A willingness to work flexibly when necessary is required.

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 queries regarding the application process, please contact hradmin@mrc-tox.cam.ac.uk

Further information on the Toxicology Unit can be found at (http://www.mrc-tox.cam.ac.uk)

Please quote reference PU34864 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.