Research Associate- Mata Group (Fixed Term)
Applications are invited for a Biocurator to join PomBase, the model organism database for the fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The project's aims are to manually curate and integrate molecular, genetic, biochemical and sequence data for fission yeast.
Applicants will have completed a PhD and have a background in biocuration and/or in yeast experimental biology, with a degree in Cell biology, Biochemistry, Genetics or a similar field. They should also have skills in data organization and basic bioinformatics and a passion for reading and interpreting original research. The applicant will need to have a broad understanding of eukaryotic cell biology. Experience in ontology use and/or editing would be an advantage.
The University of Cambridge is a signatory to the San-Francisco Declaration on Research (Assessment DORA) and in recruitment or promotion evaluations will assess research on the basis of its merits rather than the journal or venue in which it is published. Applicants should not include Journal Impact Factors or uncontextualised metrics in their applications. For more information: https://www.biology.cam.ac.uk/files/dora.pdf
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 1 year in the first instance, with a possibile extension. Part-time hours may be considered.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
For an informal discussion please contact Professor Juan Mata: jm593@cam.ac.uk
For any questions about this vacancy or the application process please contact: personnel@bioc.cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference PH41373 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 - Godlee Group (Fixed Term)
We are seeking to recruit a research assistant to work for the laboratory of Camilla Godlee in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Cambridge, UK. Research in the Godlee lab focuses on host-pathogen interactions of bacterial infections. https://www.bioc.cam.ac.uk/research/faculty/camilla-godlee
The position would suit an ambitious and talented graduate who has recently completed a degree in Molecular or Cellular Biology or Biochemistry and is keen to gain further laboratory research experience.
The key responsibilities of the post are assisting with projects in the lab and contributing to lab organisation and general lab duties. There will also be the opportunity to pursue an independent research project.
The ideal candidate will have a strong aptitude for scientific research, excellent communication skills and work well in a team. Previous research experience in eukaryotic cell biology, fluorescence microscopy, infection biology or microbiology would be highly desirable. Training will be provided as required.
Applicants should submit a CV citing relevant experience, a cover letter explaining why they are suitable for the position and contact information for at least two referees.
The successful candidate would be expected to start at the beginning of September. The post is available for 1 year, with the possibility of extension.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
For an informal discussion please contact Dr Camilla Godlee: cbjg2@cam.ac.uk.
For any questions about this vacancy or the application process please contact: personnel@bioc.cam.ac.uk.
Please quote reference PH41127 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.
Stores & Procurement Manager
The Department of Biochemistry, a large and flourishing academic community that enjoys a world-class reputation for both teaching and research, is embedded in the School of the Biological Sciences.
A new and exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and efficient individual to join the Department in a management role, and take responsibility for the BioPath Stores - a central stores facility for all departments within the School of the Biological Sciences (SBS) and over 40 other institutions across the University - as Stores & Procurement Manager.
Based in a busy and friendly professional services team, and reporting to the Departmental Administrator & General Manager, the successful candidate will join a dynamic and dedicated team, taking responsibility for three key service areas: management of the BioPath Stores Facility; management and oversight of the Department of Biochemistry procurement function; management of the SBS Vehicle Pool.
With a turnover in the region of £2m per annum, a significant stock holding, both facility-owned and on consignment from suppliers, BioPath Stores is a key and pivotal resource for STEM research and teaching activities across the University. The role-holder is responsible for effective continuity of the service and overall business processes of the facility.
As departmental Procurement Manager, the role-holder will ensure that all purchasing adheres to best practise and guidelines issued by the University Procurement Service, in particular obtaining best value for the University whilst maintaining awareness of sustainability goals.
The third, exciting aspect of the position requires the role-holder, as manager of the SBS vehicle pool, to be responsible for the safe and cost-effective running of the vehicle pool service, on behalf of the School of the Biological Sciences (SBS), under the stewardship of the Department of Biochemistry.
With experience in the smooth running of commercial and/or technical operations, strong health and safety awareness, and 'can-do' communicative skills, the successful candidate will be able to motivate and lead others to successful service delivery.
Educated to at least degree level or equivalent, the ideal candidate will be knowledgeable of consumables demands in STEM subjects, be highly effective and efficient in analytical and problem solving skills, and will ideally have experience of procurement and purchasing at scale.
To apply for this position, please click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
The closing date for this position is 6th May 2024 with interviews likely to be held in late May.
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.
For an informal discussion please contact the Departmental Administrator & General Manager, Dr Katherine Wallington (email: da@bioc.cam.ac.uk).
For further assistance, please contact the Biochemistry HR team via email: personnel@bioc.cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference PH41136 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.
Secretary/PA (Secretariat)
The Department of Biochemistry, a large and flourishing academic community that enjoys a world-class reputation for both teaching and research, is embedded in the School of the Biological Sciences. A new and exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and efficient individual to join the Department as a Secretary/PA - a key member of the Department's Secretariat team.
Based in a busy and friendly professional services team, and reporting to the PA to the Head of Department, the successful candidate will join a dynamic and dedicated team of reception, clerical and general administrative support specialists who work as a team to underpin the Department's performance and reputation as a modern, progressive academic teaching and research institution.
The successful candidate will provide a full secretarial/ PA service to departmental academics and/or senior management in order to support the smooth and efficient operation of the Department's work and time. They will contribute to the committee work of the Department and be central to the smooth running of operations and governance by providing an efficient, friendly and 'can-do' secretarial service. Due to the nature of the role, the position is office-based, Monday to Friday.
Educated to at least A-level or equivalent, the ideal candidate will be experienced in administrative office work and have a clear understanding of Secretarial/PA responsibilities, along with a strong sense of team playing and working flexibly across a varied workload.
To apply for this position, please click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
The closing date for this position is Sunday 21st April with interviews likely to be held on Wednesday 15th May.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 20 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.
For an informal discussion please contact the Departmental Administrator & General Manager, Dr Katherine Wallington (email: da@bioc.cam.ac.uk).
For further assistance, please contact the Biochemistry HR team via email: personnel@bioc.cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference PH40930 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- Luisi Group (Fixed Term)
Applications are invited for a Research Associate position in the Department of Biochemistry of the University of Cambridge. The successful applicant will work on RNA structural biology project in the laboratory of Ben Luisi.
The position would suit an ambitious and talented recent graduate in Biochemistry or Molecular Biology, who is keen to gain research experience in an international academic environment. The main focus of the post is to develop a research project in bacterial RNA biology.
We are a highly interactive group, very keen on teaching to students from undergraduate to postgraduate level.
In addition to a strong aptitude for scientific research, the ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills and will fit in well in a team. An PhD degree in Biochemistry or Molecular Biology is required and previous research experience is highly desirable.
Applicants should submit a CV citing relevant experience, a cover letter explaining why they are suitable for the position and contact information for at least two referees within their application.
The University of Cambridge is a signatory to the San-Francisco Declaration on Research (Assessment DORA), and in recruitment or promotion evaluations will assess research on the basis of its merits rather than the journal or venue in which it is published. Applicants should not include Journal Impact Factors or uncontextualized metrics in their applications. For more information: https://www.biology.cam.ac.uk/files/dora.pdf
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 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.
Informal enquiries can be sent to Professor Luisi: bfl20@cam.ac.uk
For any questions about this vacancy or the application process please contact: personnel@bioc.cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference PH40625 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- Uncovering the chemical origin of lipid membrane diversity (3.5 years Fixed Term)
A fully funded 3.5-year PhD studentship, supported by an LCLU Joint Collaborative Programme grant, is available in the ProtocellLab (www.bonfiolab.eu) at the Department of Biochemistry commencing on 1 October 2024.
Summary:The origin of cell membranes is a major unresolved issue in evolution. Evolutionary biology points to the existence of primitive cells with compositionally diverse membranes. However, the assumption that such lipid diversity is dependent upon enzymatic chemistry has generated models comprising compositionally minimal membranes (binary or ternary mixtures of short-chain fatty or phosphatidic acids). This project aims to reconcile biology and chemistry by challenging the critical limiting assumption that lipid diversity cannot be achieved through non-enzymatic chemistries. The project will lead to a fundamental understanding of the origins of lipid diversity, including the features now associated with bacterial and archaeal lipids; new strategies based on compositionally diverse membranes to probe, sense or replicate cellular behaviours; and a deep-rooted understanding of the emergence and evolution of cellular processes at the molecular level.
Background: While prebiotic pathways to all four RNA nucleotides and most of the twenty biological amino acids have been proposed, only a few non-enzymatic routes to modern lipids have been described. As such, prebiotic chemistry has yet to address models of primitive membranes comprising the vast structural diversity of modern lipids. However, if lipid diversity is an essential feature of modern membranes, can non-enzymatic chemistry be harnessed to generate lipid diversity?
Approach: To identify the set of diverse lipids that could have been formed non-enzymatically on early Earth, the student will adapt diversity-oriented synthetic strategies to prebiotic chemistry by transforming primitive lipids into modern lipids through non-enzymatic chemical strategies. The student will design and develop novel synthetic methods to generate libraries of lipids using a combination of solution-phase, membrane-templated and dry-state chemistries. The supramolecular properties of synthetic lipids and their biophysical features will be evaluated by fluorescence spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and light and electron microscopy. Additionally, encapsulated prebiotic reactions, such as RNA replication and protometabolic processes, will be investigated to better understand the chemistry of bioinspired systems.
ProtocellLab: The main focus of the ProtocellLab is to understand how primitive cells emerged on early Earth and how they started to interact with one another. The group is moving to the Department of Biochemistry in June 2024. The PhD student will develop skills in the areas of prebiotic, systems and supramolecular chemistry, applied to primitive and artificial cells. The small group size (5 PhD students and 2 PDRAs) ensures close supervision and training. The project offers interactions with other groups within the Leverhulme Centre for Life in the Universe, with the possibility of performing research periods abroad.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3.5 years in the first instance.
Application. To apply, please e-mail Dr Claudia Bonfio (cb2036@cam.ac.uk) with the following information by 29 March 2024:
- CV (max two pages), with full contact details of 2 academic referees.
- Motivation letter (max two pages) highlighting (a) your research interests, (b) what you hope to achieve from the programme, and (c) why you wish to undertake this PhD.
Please note that applicants are also required to officially apply to the University using the Applicant Portal: http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/how-do-i-apply by the deadline of 29 March 2024. Please search in the Course Directory for 'Biochemistry' PhD (Course Code: BLBI22) as the programme of study. Applicants should indicate on the application form that they wish to apply for other sources of funding.
Any questions regarding the application process should be directed to the Postgraduate Admissions Administrator at pg-entry@bioc.cam.ac.uk.
This studentship is open to UK citizens or UK nationals or have a settled/pre-settled status only.
Please quote reference PH40713 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The Protocell Lab and the University actively support equality, diversity and inclusion and encourage applications from all sections of society. We place major emphasis on the importance of teamwork and an enjoyable work environment as a foundation for performing internationally leading research. This will allow the student to acquire cutting-edge research methodologies in a supportive environment where they can focus on making the best possible scientific progress.
Senior Cleaner
The Department of Biochemistry, a large and flourishing academic community that enjoys a world-class reputation for both teaching and research, is embedded in the School of the Biological Sciences. An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and efficient individual to join the Department's Domestic Services team as a Senior Cleaner - a key role in servicing departmental operations, leading others by example.
Based in a busy and friendly professional services team, and reporting to the Facilities Superintendent, the successful candidate will join a dynamic and dedicated team of domestic support specialists who work as a team to underpin the Department's performance and reputation as a modern, progressive academic teaching and research institution.
An early riser (start time is between 6am-7am), the successful candidate will thrive in leading and overseeing others, working as part of a team, but will also be content working alone, maintaining a flexible and friendly attitude at all times.
They will have a good level of oral communication, a high standard of English, and the ability to give and receive written and verbal instructions - including safety instructions regarding the use of cleaning chemicals.
Duties include thorough cleaning of all areas, including research laboratories, offices, teaching and meeting rooms, communal areas, stairways, WCs and washrooms. Directing and participating in the collection, cleaning and return of laboratory glassware is also an important element of this role.
A good general education (GCSE /NVQ level 2) or equivalent level of practical experience is required, and experience of experience of laboratory and/or office cleaning, including the use of mechanical scrubber/polishing equipment is essential. Physically fit, the successful candidate will enjoy an active and varied workload.
We are a friendly Department and value all our staff for the contribution that they make to our community. We hold various social activities throughout the year and staff are also able to make use of free passes to the University Botanic Garden. They also enjoy a subsidised staff canteen service.
For this position, the University Real Living Wage (RLW) supplement applies, which sets the minimum rate of pay at £12 per hour. The salary band holds the opportunity to progress to £25,138 subject to performance.
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.
For an informal discussion please contact the Facilities Superintendent, Mr Steven Godby (email: sjg86@cam.ac.uk).
For further assistance, please contact the Biochemistry HR team via email: personnel@bioc.cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference PH40331 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 Grants Assistant
The Department of Biochemistry is seeking an enthusiastic Research Grants Assistant to join its very busy research grant team.
The role is to administer the end to end support for a portfolio of grants, working closely with grant holders, funders and internal University offices. Specifically, the main responsibilities include interrogating and using the University Finance System to process grant transactions; reviewing and approving expense claims; monitoring grant budgets on a monthly basis; producing budget expenditure analyses and staff forecasting information.
The ideal candidate will be used to working in a busy environment whilst maintaining high levels of accuracy. Previous experience of working in a financial and/or a research grant administration role, using computerised financial accounting systems and spreadsheets is desirable. However, we are keen to receive applications from candidates who have strong computing and communication skills with a willingness to learn the many aspects of Research Grants administration.
This position open ended, with limited funding. Funds are available for 3 years in the first instance.
This is an ideal opportunity to build on you knowledge and skills in the area of Research Grants Administration and to achieve this you will be fully supported to attend all the available internal training courses in this key function.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Informal enquiries can be sent to Debbie Canham: dac77@cam.ac.uk
For any questions about this vacancy or the application process please contact: personnel@bioc.cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference PH40252 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- Hollfelder Group- From peptides to catalysts - Exploring the emergence of function by ultrahigh throughput screening and mechanistic analysis(Fixed Term)
A postdoctoral position is available for 18 months (in the first instance, extension possible) from 1 February 2024 (or later) to work with Florian Hollfelder at the Biochemistry Department of Cambridge University.(https://hollfelder.bioc.cam.ac.uk/).
The emergence of functional proteins from the primordial soup is defining the origin of life. This step is also the most enigmatic transition in the search for efficient biocatalysts and difficult to emulate in model experiments. Our recent work provides a clue how inactive scaffolds can be functionalised (doi.org/10.1101/2023.02.13.528392). We want to use ultrahigh throughput screening in microfluidic droplets to find new catalysts and then analyse their features (e.g. catalytic promiscuity and conformational diversity) that first give rise to 'evolvability' and subsequently to efficiency. Deep sequence datasets from droplet screening will be interpreted using machine learning/AI approaches and, together with classical physical-organic/structural/mechanistic approaches, teach us where in sequence space novel solutions for sustainable biocatalysis can be harvested.
Applicants should thus have a first (or upper second) class degree in chemistry, biochemistry or a related, relevant subject, followed by a PhD. The project involves chemical and molecular biology techniques. Specific skills in mechanistic enzymology/enzyme kinetics, assay development, DNA library generation, structural biology, organic synthesis, high-throughput screening and microfluidic engineering are advantages, but will also be acquired during the postdoctoral training period.
Applications should contain a description of research interests (e.g. as part of the cover letter), a detailed CV (with exam marks and all relevant practical experience) and a list of publications. Please also include the names and email addresses of at least two referees, who are familiar with your research work.
The University of Cambridge is a signatory to the San-Francisco Declaration on Research (Assessment DORA) and in recruitment or promotion evaluations will assess research on the basis of its merits rather than the journal or venue in which it is published. Applicants should not include Journal Impact Factors or uncontextualised metrics in their applications. For more information: https://www.biology.cam.ac.uk/files/dora.pdf
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 18 months 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.
Informal enquiries can be sent to Professor Hollfelder: fh111@cam.ac.uk
For any questions about this vacancy or the application process please contact: personnel@bioc.cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference PH40181 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- Pellegrini Group (Fixed Term)
Applications are invited for a Research Assistant position in the Department of Biochemistry of the University of Cambridge, UK. The successful applicant will work to support the research activities in the laboratory of Professor Pellegrini. (https://www.bioc.cam.ac.uk/research/pellegrini).
The position would suit an ambitious and talented graduate who has recently completed an MSc/MPhil degree in Biochemistry or Molecular Biology and is keen to gain research experience in an international academic environment. Although the focus of the post is to provide research support to more experienced researchers, there will be opportunities to pursue an independent research project.
In addition to possessing a strong aptitude for scientific research, the ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills and will work well in a team. Previous research experience of recombinant protein expression in insect or mammalian cells, and protein purification for Biophysical and Biochemical analysis would be highly desirable.
Applicants should submit a CV citing relevant experience, a cover letter explaining why they are suitable for the position and contact information for at least two referees.
The University of Cambridge is a signatory to the San-Francisco Declaration on Research (Assessment DORA),and in recruitment or promotion evaluations will assess research on the basis of its merits rather than the journal or venue in which it is published. Applicants should not include Journal Impact Factors or uncontextualized metrics in their applications. For more information: https://www.biology.cam.ac.uk/files/dora.pdf
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 May 2026 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.
Informal enquiries can be sent to Professor Pellegrini: lp212@cam.ac.uk
For any questions about this vacancy or the application process please contact: personnel@bioc.cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference PH40154 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.
