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Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research associate to study the mechanism of action of drugs used clinically to treat anxiety in humans. The successful candidate will be based in the laboratories of Professor Jeff Dalley and Professor Rebecca Lawson (Department of Psychology) and will collaborate with a team of neuroscientists working across different scales and species to reveal how medications and psychological therapies improve anxiety symptoms.

The successful candidate will investigate how the brain noradrenergic and serotonergic systems dynamically encode different types of uncertainty in the environment. The project will specifically evaluate whether anti-anxiety medications that block the active reuptake of noradrenaline and serotonin (i.e., SNRIs and SSRIs) improve anxiety symptoms by adjusting the representation of uncertainty signals in the brain. Applicants should have completed a PhD in neuroscience, pharmacology, biology, psychology, or other relevant discipline. We are looking for someone with experience in behavioural neuroscience and psychopharmacology in rodents, with a working knowledge of Pavlovian and instrumental tasks, including touchscreen-based technology. Skills in histology, immunohistochemistry, RNAscope, Western blotting, and stereotaxic surgery are essential. Experience with MRI, biosensors, and computational modelling would be desirable, but is not essential.

The research position is available from 19th of February 2024 for an initial 2-year period with the possibility of an extension for up to a further 3 years. In addition to the covering letter, CV, and contact details of 2 referees, applicants are asked to provide a brief statement (500 words) describing the questions and approach they consider important for the study of noradrenaline and serotonin in learning-related neuroplasticity, specifically learning in relation to stimulus uncertainty, and their future career ambitions.

The research activity is at the core of a new Wellcome Trust-funded Mental Health Award, which brings together a cross-disciplinary team of international experts to investigate how different types of uncertainty are encoded in the brain through dynamic signalling of the noradrenergic and serotonergic systems. The work programme bridges work across species (rats, humans) and scales (neurochemicals, local circuits and global networks) to uncover the 'active ingredients' of effective therapeutic intervention in anxiety disorders.

This project facilitates cross-disciplinary training in innovative methodologies at the intersection of behavioural, cognitive and computational neuroscience. Successful applicants will be integrated in a diverse collaborative team and will have the opportunity to participate in workshops and retreats across the network as well as exchange visits across labs to facilitate cross-disciplinary training and collaborative working.

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 security check.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

For informal inquiries, please contact Jeff Dalley at jwd20@cam.ac.uk and/or Becky Lawson at rl337@cam.ac.uk

Closing Date: Midnight on Sunday 28th January 2024

Interviews: Monday 12th February 2024

Please quote reference PJ40082 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.

Researchers have created the world’s largest ancient human gene bank, and used it to map the historical spread of genes – and diseases – over time as populations migrated. 

Applications are invited for a self-motivated, reliable Laboratory Technician to work in Professor Anne Ferguson-Smith's research group in the Department of Genetics. The Ferguson-Smith group studies the mechanisms of epigenetic regulation of developmental processes and genome function in mammals. The current focus of the research group is the role of genomic imprinting in the regulation of postnatal nutritional resource control via the milk, and the extent to which imprinted gene products within breastmilk are transferred to the offspring and modulate growth, development, metabolism and life-long health. This position offers an excellent career development opportunity for those wishing to transition into lab-based research and gain experience in molecular biology and mouse models.

This position will be primarily responsible for the application of mammalian molecular genetics techniques to support projects and mouse model work being carried out in the research group. The successful candidate will be experienced in standard molecular biology and genotyping techniques, including sample handling, nucleic acid extraction, PCR, electrophoresis and qPCR.

Experience in mouse models and colony management is desirable. Holding a Home Office mouse personal licence (PIL) would be an advantage.

Temporary cover: This post is fixed-term for 12 months or the return of the role holder, whichever is the earlier.

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.

Informal enquiries about the role are welcome and should be directed to Dr Geula Hanin ghl35@cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference PC40074 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.

Professor Jon Silverman will discuss his new book, ‘Safe Haven’, which seeks to answer why Nazi collaborators in the UK weren't prosecuted.

Join the Polar Museum team for a Touch Tour and explore a range of objects from different Arctic Cultures.

What language is perceived as offensive?

Butterfly populations in northern Spain are better than their UK counterparts at regulating their body temperature, but rising global temperatures may put Spanish butterflies at greater risk of extinction.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and well-organised Research Assistant to join the group of Dr Valeria Lulla (https://www.path.cam.ac.uk/research/virology-division/lulla-group) at the Department of Pathology (Addenbrookes campus), University of Cambridge. Our research is focused on investigating human intestinal pathogens that progress to infections of the central nervous system. We are a strong and diverse team of researchers spanning multiple scientific disciplines, including molecular virology, imaging, omics and organoid infection models.

This position, funded by the Wellcome Trust, offers an exciting opportunity to integrate organoid infection models and molecular virology methods with high-throughput imaging, sequencing and RNA/protein interactions methods, to obtain novel insights into intestinal virus biology.

We are looking for a highly independent research associate with track record of timely project delivery, strong communication skills and an excellent work ethic. Candidates are expected to hold a BSc or MSc degree in Virology, Molecular Biology or a related discipline. Candidates should have experience with mammalian tissue culture, imaging and biochemical techniques. Prior experience with molecular virology, organoid culturing and working at biosafety level 2 is advantageous. A good understanding of molecular virology is desirable.

Successful applicants will become an integral and valued member of a multidisciplinary group. Responsibilities of the role include basic laboratory maintenance, establishing and validating cell lines and organoids, molecular cloning, viral infection experiments, data analysis, presentation and documentation. The ability to work both independently and as part of a team, together with excellent communication and critical thinking skills are also essential. There are many professional development and training activities available via the university, and the successful applicant is encouraged to engage with such opportunities.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 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.

Specific queries may be directed to vl284@cam.ac.uk (Dr Valeria Lulla).

Please quote reference PK40041 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 Ahringer laboratory at the Gurdon Institute in the University of Cambridge is seeking a talented and motivated Bioinformatics research associate to join their research group. Our research aims to decipher the step-by-step genomic regulation that drives developmental programmes.

A single-celled totipotent zygote produces a multitude of different cell types, however, the genome regulation that drives development is poorly understood. We address this by combining single-nucleus multi-omic profiling with the known lineage of C. elegans, which enables determination of the locus-specific regulation of chromatin and gene expression across all cell divisions from the zygote to the differentiated state (http://www.ahringer.group.gurdon.cam.ac.uk/).

You will investigate genomic regulatory mechanisms in close collaboration with experimental colleagues, using existing cutting-edge software or devising new methods to analyse single-nucleus profiling data as well as other types of genomic and transcriptomic data. You will lead computational projects, participate in research activities of the laboratory as a whole, and contribute to the supervision of students, providing an ideal opportunity to develop an independent scientific career.

You will ideally have a strong background in bioinformatics and statistics and prior experience in the analysis single-cell and other types of high-throughput data (e.g., RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq, CUT&TAG, and chromatin interaction). You should also have a PhD in a relevant subject, a sound understanding of molecular biology, and a strong publication track record in bioinformatics. You will be expected to be able to work independently, interact well in a dynamic multidisciplinary team environment, and be able to communicate ideas and results clearly.

The Gurdon Institute is a world-renowned centre of Developmental biology and Cancer research embedded in the University of Cambridge. It provides an exceptional and stimulating environment that promotes collaborative and interdisciplinary research in a supportive and modern setting, with access to state-of-the-art technologies such as super-resolution imaging, single-cell analyses, genome engineering, and genomics and computer modelling. Its postdoc association encourages scientific and social interactions and also provides career development and teaching opportunities.

The post is initially available for 2 years, with the possibility of extension subject to available funding.

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and covering letter in the Upload section of the online application. If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact hr@gurdon.cam.ac.uk. If you would like to know more about the role and projects, please contact Prof. Julie Ahringer ja219@cam.ac.uk.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please quote reference PR40053 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 Research Associate position in the University of Cambridge, Department of Pharmacology, central Cambridge, working in the laboratory of Prof Graham Ladds.

About the project: We seek an enthusiastic postdoctoral research associate to join our team studying novel protein modulators of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signalling. This project combines artificial intelligence (AI) models with experimental assays to unveil the roles of the newly discovered non-canonical proteome in the cellular physiology of GPCRs. This interdisciplinary project links AI, bioinformatics, genetics, proteomics, structural biology, pharmacology and cell biology. It aims to use AI to identify and prioritize alternative proteins involved in the regulation of GPCR signalling, and to experimentally validate predictions. This project is a collaboration with Dr Brunet, University of Sherbrooke, Canada, and includes the possibility of working in Dr Brunet's laboratory for a period of up to six months.

The Cell Signalling lab: The Cell Signalling Lab uses multidisciplinary approaches to investigate GPCR signalling, and enjoys collaborations with both academia and industry. The focus of the lab is to establish how different cellular components can control GPCR agonist bias. You can find more information about the lab at: https://www.phar.cam.ac.uk/research/Ladds and on Twitter: @GPCR_Ladds.

The successful candidate should have a PhD in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, or a related field. Experience and expertise in any of the following would be advantageous: cell biology assays, molecular biology, genetics, bioinformatics and computational methods. Knowledge of methods used in GPCR research would be an advantage. The appointee will be enthusiastic, methodical, be able to work effectively as part of a team and independently, be able to perform and analyse experiments with appropriate supervision, be willing to engage with the research literature, and be able to write regular research reports.

The expected starting date is 14th February 2024, although there is some flexibility to start slightly later. Funds are available for a fixed term until 13th August 2025, after probationary review. Successful candidates who have not yet been awarded their PhD by the appointment date will be appointed as a Research Assistant, Grade 5 (£29,605 - £33,966). Upon the award of the PhD the individual will be promoted to Research Associate, Grade 7 (£36,024- £44,263)

Interviews will take place in February.

For the online application you will need to provide your personal details, the names and e-mail addresses of two referees familiar with your academic performance, your CV, your availability and a cover letter (including a description of your experience as it relates to the job specifications).

The Department holds an Athena SWAN Bronze Award and is committed to providing equal opportunities and advancing the representation of women in science. We welcome applications from all candidates irrespective of gender. Appointment will be based on merit alone.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

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 PL40042 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.