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.
Candidates pending the completion of a PhD will initially be appointed at Grade 5 (£34,132 - £39,355) before moving to Grade 7 after the receipt of their PhD. Candidates that have already obtained their PhD will be appointed at Grade 7 (£37,174 - £45,413). The salary can be supplemented by contributing to Undergraduate teaching.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 32 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 are welcomed to Prof Mark Howarth: mh2186@cam.ac.uk. Queries regarding the application process can be directed at the HR team: hr@phar.cam.ac.uk.
Please quote reference PL45300 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.
Departmental Administrator [Temporary Cover] Internal Secondment Opportunity
The School of Biological Sciences, a flourishing academic community that enjoys a world-class reputation for both teaching and research, has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and experienced administrator to join the team as Departmental Administrator at the Department of Pharmacology. The Departmental Administrator is responsible for effective and efficient delivery of all operational and administrative functions within the Department and supports the Head of the Department in achieving the Department's strategic aims and objectives in relation to governance, policy and business operations in support of teaching and research.
As an experienced manager, you will advise, manage, and motivate the Department's professional services staff, who deliver key support services in HR, finance, grants administration, teaching, buildings and facilities, health and safety, IT, internal and external communications, compliance, and other operational areas. You will also interact with both undergraduate and postgraduate students undertaking taught and research-based courses with the Department.
You will utilise your communication and interpersonal skills, not only to build effective working relationships within your team, but also to develop and maintain effective working networks within the School of the Biological Sciences and the University's central administration. Experience of strategic planning and risk management, compliance, committee management, mentoring/coaching, project management, change management, problem solving, and conflict resolution is highly desirable.
The ideal candidate will have good time management, communication, and interpersonal skills, with a strong ability to build relationships at all levels of the organisation. A proactive approach, persuasive tactfulness, and an enthusiastic attitude towards their work are qualities we deem essential for the appointed candidate.
Educated to at least degree level, the ideal applicant will be able to engage with the values and aspirations of a research-intensive Department, School and University. You will join us with the ability to handle a diverse and varied workload, with the ability to manage both projects and operational tasks concurrently. Experience in a senior administrative role within a Higher Education environment would be beneficial.
Further details can be found in the Further Particulars document.
Temporary cover: This post is fixed-term for 12 months or the return of the post holder, whichever is the earlier.
The post is offered to internal candidates only 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.
If you have any questions about this vacancy, please contact Emma King, (DA@Phar.cam.ac.uk). Any queries regarding the application process can be directed at the HR Team (hr@phar.cam.ac.uk).
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.
Please quote reference PL45295 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.
