Research Assistant (Fixed Term)
The Functional Genomics Screening Laboratory (FGSL) is seeking a highly motivated research assistant with broad skills in molecular and cellular biology.
About the FGSL:
The FGSL is a partnership between the Milner Therapeutics Institute (MTI), the Medical Research Council and AstraZeneca. The newly established lab, located in the MTI, aims to accelerate novel target discovery in health and disease through CRISPR screening. Leveraging arrayed screening to systematically perturb individual genes in a microtitre plate format, the FGSL forms cross-functional partnerships to interrogate the genome at scale. The lab aligns with the MTI's vision of breaking the mould of how academia and industry interact. The FGSL is part of the UK Research and Innovation's Human Functional Genomics Initiative, aiming to facilitate innovative and collaborative research to drive new scientific discoveries.
Key responsibilities:
The post holder will support a diverse range of arrayed CRISPR screening projects in non-oncology research areas. Working closely with our team of wet and dry lab scientists, the successful applicant will utilise their molecular and cellular biology skills to support CRISPR screening experiments. Typical tasks will include culturing human cellular models, such as primary cells, stem cells, co-cultures or organoids; assisting the run of high-throughput screening; and supporting the operations of the labs.
Why join us?
The MTI offers a buoyant, vibrant, and fast-paced environment that fits individuals who thrive amidst change and innovation. You will work at the dynamic interface between academia and industry, engaging with researchers from diverse sectors to foster knowledge exchange and drive pioneering functional genomics research.
We welcome applications from BSc and MSc graduates with an adaptive mindset, who are eager to learn and are interested in playing a supportive role to help the team to achieve goals. You will be part of an engaging and supportive environment that prioritises professional growth and career development. The role offers the unique opportunity to be involved in a variety of screening projects and will equip the successful applicant with transferable skills in the field of functional genomics, as well as laboratory operations.
Additional information:
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance.
Application process:
To find out the full duties of the role and person specification, click below to view the further particulars.
In person interviews will be held between 21st and 31st July 2025.
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 directed to Chun Hao Wong, FGSL lead, wc389@cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference PR46151 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 x 2 (Fixed Term)
The Functional Genomics Screening Laboratory (FGSL) is seeking two research associates to perform high-throughput CRISPR phenotypic screening in complex models.
About the FGSL:
The FGSL is a partnership between the Milner Therapeutics Institute (MTI), the Medical Research Council and AstraZeneca. The newly established lab, located in the MTI, aims to combine know-how and experience to accelerate novel target discovery in health and disease. Leveraging arrayed screening to systematically perturb individual genes in a microtitre plate format, the FGSL forms cross-functional partnerships to interrogate the genome at scale. The lab aligns with the MTI's vision of breaking the mould of how academia and industry interact. The FGSL is part of the UK Research and Innovation's Human Functional Genomics Initiative, aiming to facilitate innovative and collaborative research to drive new scientific discoveries.
Key responsibilities:
Working closely in a team, the post holder will design and implement arrayed CRISPR screens in human cellular models. This will include primary cells, stem-cells, co-cultures or organoids in non-oncology research areas. Working with academic and industry collaborators across the UK, the successful candidate will scope and optimise a range of functional assays such as high-content imaging, flow cytometry or ELISAs to characterise the phenotypic changes upon CRISPR editing. The role will involve designing and performing high-throughput screening workflows that encompass gene editing, phenotypic assays and automated liquid handlers.
Why join us?
The MTI offers a buoyant, vibrant, and fast-paced environment that fits individuals who thrive amidst change and innovation. As part of our team, you will work at the dynamic interface between academia and industry, engaging with researchers from diverse sectors to foster knowledge exchange and drive pioneering functional genomics research.
You will be part of an engaging and supportive environment that prioritises professional growth and career development. The role offers the unique opportunity to enhance a variety of transferable scientific skills such as culturing and perturbing complex cell models, applying laboratory automation in biological experiments, and analysing multi-parametric data to support phenotypic-driven target discovery.
Application process:
To find out the full duties of the role and person specification, click below to view the further information document.
Interviews will be held in-person between the 21st-31st July.
Additional information:
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.
Informal enquiries can be directed to Chun Hao Wong, FGSL lead, wc389@cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference PR46150 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.
Junior Clinical Training Scholar in Small Animal Studies X 6
Six scholarships available to start on Monday 01 December 2025 for 12.5 months.
SCHOLARSHIP AWARD: £21,970.00 (TAX EXEMPT) per annum.
University accommodation package, see details below.
Applications are invited for this one-year post-graduate training programme based in the Queen's Veterinary School Small Animal Hospital. On site accommodation is available for £300 per month including bills.
Junior Clinical Training Scholars will receive training and tuition as they rotate through anaesthesia, cardiology, diagnostic imaging, orthopaedics, dermatology, internal medicine, neurology, oncology, clinical pathology and soft tissue surgery and be supervised by recognised specialists in each field. Scholars will also have responsibility for primary care cases, and be involved in supervision and guidance of final year veterinary students. Scholars will be an integral part of the out of hours care of animals within the hospital, especially within the intensive care unit.
Summary of benefits
- High residency success rate - 74% of our interns have gone on to do a residency and 100% of interns who have been pursuing a residency have successfully achieved a residency or completed a specialist internship programme. We have 50 successful residency applications from intern cohorts 2015-2022 and 2217 diplomates, so far!
- Competitive tax-free stipend including accommodation in Central Cambridge and bills included package
- Truly rotating internship through all specialties including flexibility to pursue extra time in rotations of your choice!
- Good work-life balance with manageable weekend and night work
- University library and journal access
- Monthly seminars with complimentary food and drink!
- 4 weeks of elective/dedicated research time on top of holidays
- Academic opportunities, e.g. teach Cambridge students during rotations and College supervision opportunities; weekly department research and clinical seminars; journal and book clubs
- Proven track-record with publications and research projects with guidance on presentation and scientific writing skills.
- Assigned intern supervisor: - regular progress meetings, interview practice, provision of professional references and CV/cover letter proof reading by experienced senior clinicians to aid residency applications
- Generous CPD allowance and encouragement to present at scientific meetings
- RECOVER CPR training
- First opinion service including surgical cases
- A number of service-specific internships and residency opportunities encourage career progression following internship
Candidates must be Members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and the following skills and experience are desirable: - Surgical experience in dogs and cats - Completion of 1 year in primary care veterinary practice in the UK - For applicants for whom English is not their first language, a score of 7.5 in IELTS (with no element under 7), or a score of 100 in TOEFL (with no element less than 24).
For further benefits and details on the Internship: https://www.vet.cam.ac.uk/study/cts/jcts1/smallanimal
Informal enquiries should be directed to the Internship Directors, by email: internship.enquiries@vet.cam.ac.uk.
Please note: The ability to take up this Scholarship is contingent upon you being able to evidence your right to work in the UK, or through gaining the right to work via the UK immigration system. Evidence will need to be provided before an offer can be made. Regrettably, this Scholarship is not suitable for sponsorship via the Skilled Worker or Temporary Worker visa routes as the minimum requirements cannot be met.
An application form (JCTS1) and information pack can be downloaded from the link below or via the following website: http://www.vet.cam.ac.uk/job
Applicants should supply a completed Junior Clinical Training Scholarship Application Form (JCTS 1), a CV and Covering Letter giving reasons for wishing to undertake the JCTS in the Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge.
Applications should be submitted via e-mail to: vetmed@vet.cam.ac.uk with the above documents as one attachment, by the closing date stated. Please quote reference PP46094 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The deadline for applications is midnight on Monday 30 June 2025.
Applications will be monitored regularly, and we may contact candidates prior to the closing date. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications or extend the closing date if necessary. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
Junior Clinical Training Scholar in Diagnostic Imaging
Scholarship award: £21,970.00 (Tax Exempt) per annum.
University accommodation package, see details below.
Start date: from 15 July 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter, for 12 months.
Applications are invited from recently qualified veterinarians for this twelve month post-graduate training programme offering high-quality, post-graduate training in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging. The emphasis will be on gaining practical clinical experience in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging under the supervision of board-certified diplomates. On site accommodation is available for £300 per month including bills.
Applicants must be a Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons or hold a veterinary degree qualifying them for membership.
Summary of benefits
- Competitive tax-free stipend including accommodation in Central Cambridge and bills included package
- Good work-life balance with manageable weekend and night work
- University library and journal access
- Academic opportunities, e.g. teach Cambridge students during rotations and College supervision opportunities; weekly department research and clinical seminars; journal and book clubs
- Proven track-record with publications and research projects with guidance on presentation and scientific writing skills.
- Assigned intern supervisor: - regular progress meetings, interview practice, provision of professional references and CV/cover letter proof reading by experienced senior clinicians to aid residency applications
- Generous CPD allowance and encouragement to present at scientific meetings
We would welcome anyone wishing to apply for this scholarship to arrange a visit to the hospital to meet the team and find out more. To arrange a visit to the hospital and for informal enquiries about the scholarship programme, please contact Marie-Aude Genain on mag72@cam.ac.uk.
Please note: The ability to take up this Scholarship is contingent upon you being able to evidence your right to work in the UK, or through gaining the right to work via the UK immigration system. Evidence will need to be provided before an offer can be made. Regrettably, this Scholarship is not suitable for sponsorship via the Skilled Worker or Temporary Worker visa routes as the minimum requirements cannot be met.
An application form (JCTS1) and information pack can be downloaded from the link below or via the following website: http://www.vet.cam.ac.uk/job
Applicants should supply a completed Junior Clinical Training Scholarship Application Form (JCTS 1), a CV and Covering Letter giving reasons for wishing to undertake the JCTS in the Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge.
Applications should be submitted via e-mail to: vetmed@vet.cam.ac.uk with the above documents as one attachment, by the closing date stated.
The deadline for applications is midnight on Sunday, 22 June 2025.
Please quote reference PP46093 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.
Research Associate (Fixed Term)
A post-doctoral position funded by the BBSRC is available in the Division of Cellular and Molecular Pathology working within the laboratory of Dr Paolo D'Avino, to undertake a research project investigating the regulation and function of the midbody by phosphorylation (see D'Avino and Capalbo, 2016, Seminars in Cell and Developmental Biology, 53:57-63; Capalbo et al., 2019, Nature Communications, 10:4513; and Halcrow et al., 2022, Cells, 11:3337).
Candidates should have a PhD and a track record of success in molecular and cellular biology research. Significant experience in human cell culture, molecular biology, and microscopy is required. Experience in CRISPR gene editing and/or proteomics would be an advantage.
The ability to work both independently and as part of a team, coupled with excellent communication, organizational and problem-solving skills is required. Other duties/responsibilities include developing and driving research objectives and writing up work for presentation and publication. For more information about the laboratory please visit: https://www.path.cam.ac.uk/research/cellular-and-molecular-pathology-division/davino-group.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 30 November 2025 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.
Any informal queries regarding this position should be directed to Dr Paolo D'Avino : ppd21@cam.ac.uk
Queries regarding the application process should be directed to Miss Ellie Watson (HR Administrator): ew649@cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference PK46139 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.
MPhil Administrator (Fixed Term)
The School of Biological Sciences (SBS), within the University of Cambridge, is seeking to appoint an MPhil Administrator. This is an exciting and varied role, with the post holder being responsible for co-ordinating and overseeing the administration operation of the MPhil in Therapeutic Sciences and support other postgraduate programmes in SBS, to ensure smooth running of teaching and learning activities and compliance with all relevant University policies and procedures.
The MPhil Administrator reports to the Head of Postgraduate Administration, based within the School Office, and works closely with the MPhil Academic Course Co-ordinator in the Department of Pharmacology. Duties are varied and will include administrative and advisory support for the MPhil in Therapeutic Sciences and other postgraduate training programs in SBS. The post holder will also oversee financial administration duties - monitoring resources and expenditure against budgets, processing invoices and orders following financial regulations, liaising with accounts to ensure that accounts are up to date. Other duties will include: supporting the work of key committees and industrial partnerships of the University; acting as secretary to committees/meetings, , preparing agenda papers and producing minutes, assisting with the drafting of documents such as reports and papers on various issues, giving advice on matters of policy and procedures as required; setting up workshops and seminars, liaising with students and organising symposia for the MPhil programme; providing administrative support for research, teaching, and learning-support activities; coordinating the admissions process, with support from the Academic Course Coordinator and in accordance with the procedures set out by the Postgraduate Admissions Office and Faculty Degree Committee; and leading on communications (social media, website, emails) .
Candidates must be educated to HND/HNC, Level 4/5 vocational qualifications or equivalent level of practical experience. We expect the role holder to be proficient in Microsoft Office software and have excellent interpersonal, communication and organisational skills with experience of working in an administrative role.
The role holder will be based in central Cambridge. This is a part-time 29.2 hours per week (0.8FTE) but 0.5FTE - 0.8FTE will be considered. The position is fixed term for 3 years in the first instance.
Closing date for applications is 6th July 2025. Interviews are expected to take place week commencing 21st July.
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.
If you have any questions about this vacancy , please contact Julie Davies (Julie.Davies@admin.cam.ac.uk).
If you have any questions the application process, please contact our HR team (hr@phar.cam.ac.uk).
Please quote reference PA46136 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.
2025-07-11 18:30 - Exhibition Opening: Lubaina Himid with Magda Stawarska: Another Chance Encounter
2025-05-30 19:00 - Drugscapes: Are We All Users? OPENING PARTY
2025-06-07 12:30 - Drugscapes: Are We All Users?
2025-06-08 12:30 - Hidden Cambridge: The Unusual, The Quirky, and the Downright Bizarre! A Walking Tour
2025-06-10 09:00 - Drugscapes: Are We All Users?
2025-07-05 14:00 - Throes of the Modernist Dream: Prints by Rachel Whiteread, Grayson Perry and Sarah Morris from the Paragon Press
2025-05-31 09:00 - Cambridge India Business Dialogue - 2025
2025-06-07 19:30 - Academy of Great St Mary's Orchestral Concert
Research Assistant / Research Associate (Fixed Term)
PDRA studying centromere organisation and function
A 3-year post is available in the Henderson group to study the genetic and epigenetic structure of plant centromeres, and how this relates to their function in cell division and chromosome segregation.
A variety of genetic, genomic, and epigenomics approaches and study systems are available in the group. The candidate will apply techniques including Nanopore sequencing, ChIP-seq, and Hi-C, to probe plant genomes and centromeres. The project will involve both wet-lab based functional genomics approaches, together with dry-lab based bioinformatics analysis. Candidates are also expected to bring their own knowledge and approaches to design and execution of the project.
The candidate will work in a dynamic team of scientists and collaborate with group members to make discoveries. Regular opportunities will be provided for presentation of the candidate's research, together with regular career-mentoring. The Henderson lab shares space with the groups of Prof. Jake Harris, and Prof. David Baulcombe, who research related questions in plant epigenetics.
Where a PhD has yet to be awarded the appointment will initially be at Research Assistant level (Grade 5) and amended to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon the award of your PhD.
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.
Please notice that if you have not received any news from us 1 month after the closing date you should consider that on this occasion your application has not been successful.
Please quote reference PD46127 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.
HR Administrator
Are you a great communicator with a keen eye for detail? The Zoology Department at the University of Cambridge have an exciting opportunity for an HR Administrator to join our team as soon as possible.
Located in the heart of Cambridge, the Zoology Department is a buzzing and friendly community of over 250 researchers, students, and visitors who are passionate about exploring the wonders of the natural world.
As the HR Administrator, you will help support various HR processes, including recruitment, induction, probation, end of limited contracts, sickness, and parental leave. In addition, you will be responsible for maintaining the visitors' database, drafting Visitor Agreements, and managing the departmental casual workforce through the Cambridge Casual Workforce System.
You will possess excellent communication skills and be proficient in all standard Microsoft Office packages, including Word, Excel and Outlook. You should be highly organized, self-motivated, and able to prioritize your workload within a demanding timetable. Tact and discretion are essential when handling confidential information and documents. Previous general administrative experience in a higher education organisation or research institute would be desirable. Previous HR experience is not specifically required as training in Cambridge University HR systems will be provided.
Due to the need to foster a good understanding of the department and build relationships this role is based on site.
What we Offer: The University of Cambridge offers excellent benefits, extensive opportunities in a stimulating environment.
The University salary structure includes automatic service-related pay progression in many of its grades and an annual cost of living increase. In addition to this, employees are rewarded for outstanding contribution through a number of regular pay progression schemes. Staff also benefit from a generous annual leave entitlement.
The University offers employees a wide range of competitive benefits, from health care cash plans to childcare, a cycle to work scheme, to shopping and insurance discounts. University-led initiatives in the areas of equality, diversity and wellbeing include staff and student networks. These include the Women's Staff Network, the Disabled Staff Network, the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Staff Network, Parents and Carers and the LGBT+ Network. We also hold a wide range of Equality and Diversity events on a regular basis. Wellbeing at Cambridge is a University-wide initiative aiming at supporting and maximising the health and wellbeing of staff.
The University offer a range of family-friendly policies, including maternity, adoption and shared parental leave. In addition, workplace nurseries, childcare vouchers, a childcare salary sacrifice scheme and a high-quality holiday play scheme are available to help support University employees with caring responsibilities
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check and a security check.
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.
Flexible working requests will be considered.
We particularly welcome applications from candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our 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 queries regarding the application process please contact Anastasia Nezhentseva.
Email: an286@cam.ac.uk Telephone: (0)1223 330117
Please quote reference PF46106 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 (Fixed Term) x 2
The MRC Toxicology Unit is looking to appoint one/two Research Assistants to join the Thaventhiran lab.
These positions are aimed at candidates seeking research experience to strengthen their higher degree applications. The positions will be directly supervised and mentored by post-doctoral researchers whose responsibility will include support for these applications. Your CV will be further enhanced by contributing to the completion of papers on modified mRNA therapeutics, cancer and infectious disease vaccines. The group has made significant contributions in the areas of mRNA therapeutics1, vaccine responses2, and measurements of immune responses3,4 and the ongoing projects will extend these discoveries.
Candidates will hold, or be close to completing, an undergraduate or Masters' degree in an appropriate field (e.g. Immunology, biomedical science, biochemistry, Molecular biology) and/or have relevant experience at an equivalent level, together with some hands-on experience in animal handling, flow-cytometry RNA/ protein analytical techniques, microscopy and tissue culture. You will be able to work both independently and as part of a team, have excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving skills and ideally have experience of working on an independent research project. Enthusiasm for working in a diverse inter-disciplinary team is desirable.
References:
Mulroney, T. E. et al. N(1)-methylpseudouridylation of mRNA causes +1 ribosomal frameshifting. Nature 625, 189-194, doi:10.1038/s41586-023-06800-3 (2024).
Van der Klaauw, A. A. et al. Accelerated waning of the humoral response to COVID-19 vaccines in obesity. Nat Med, doi:10.1038/s41591-023-02343-2 (2023).
Fischer, K. et al. Rapid discovery of monoclonal antibodies by microfluidics-enabled FACS of single pathogen-specific antibody-secreting cells. Nat Biotechnol, doi:10.1038/s41587-024-02346-5 (2024).
Takahashi, M. et al. Intratumoral antigen signaling traps CD8(+) T cells to confine exhaustion to the tumor site. Sci Immunol 9, eade2094, doi:10.1126/sciimmunol.ade2094 (2024).
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 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.
Interested candidates can email Dr. James E. Thaventhiran (jedt2@cam.ac.uk) for informal enquiries.
If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact hradmin@mrc-tox.cam.ac.uk
Further information can be found on our website: https://www.mrc-tox.cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference PU46090 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 / Associate (Fixed Term)
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in cellular biophysics in the group of Prof. Ewa Paluch. The Paluch lab studies cellular morphogenesis combining cell and molecular biology, quantitative imaging and biophysical approaches to investigate cell shape changes in cultured cells and in vivo. Current projects in the lab include investigating the regulation of the mechanical properties of the cellular actin cortex, the biomechanics of cell division, and the coupling between cell shape and mechanics and cellular state / fate during cellular transitions.
The successful candidate will conduct fundamental research aimed at understanding cell shape dynamics and the cross -talk between cell shape and cell state during epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The aim of the project is to 1) develop computational pipelines for image analysis and physical analysis of cell shape trajectories, and for combined morpho-molecular analysis of cell shape together with molecular markers, and 2) to develop a physical model of cell shape dynamics during EMT.
You should hold a PhD (or about to be awarded a PhD) in Biophysics or a related field and have extensive experience with cell and developmental biophysics, imaging, image analysis, and modelling of biological processes.
Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.
Further information on the lab: https://www.pdn.cam.ac.uk/directory/ewa-paluch
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
To apply for this post, please submit a CV and a motivation letter detailing why you want to be part of this project and how this post will be a good stepping-stone for your career. We also need the contact details for two people who can provide a professional reference.
The funds for this post are available for 1 years in the first instance.
The closing date for applications is 10th June 2025.
Please quote reference PM46099 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.
Senior Electron Microscopy Specialist (Fixed Term)
The Cardona Lab is a neuroscience research group at the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge. We are looking for a Senior Microscopy Specialist to provide expertise through shared services and usage of the Zeiss Gemini 450 FIB-SEM, installed and operating in the WEMS facility of the University.
Our lab's research focuses on the study of the neural circuit basis of behaviour, starting by mapping the synaptic wiring diagrams, or connectome, of whole brains, formulating computational models of neural circuit function, and testing these models with experiments in the lab, using primarily the fruit fly as a model system, given its outstanding genetic toolkit for monitoring and manipulating neural activity in the stereotyped and individually identifiable neurons of its nervous system. A major technique mastered in the lab is large-scale volume electron microscopy, in both FIBSEM and TEM, plus associated image processing methods for aligning and contrast-correcting volumes followed by machine learning-based approaches to segment neurons and identify synapses to map the connectome.
The role holder's duties will include teaching electron microscopy to graduate students and postdocs; developing novel sample preparation protocols for new samples, particularly of brain tissue; directing multi-week 24/7 imaging sessions to acquire volumes of complete brains; and developing the software for automated imaging. They will also be a reference source of expertise in sample preparation for electron microscopy, embedding in resins, trimming, mounting, and imaging with the lab's FIBSEM instruments.
The successful candidate will have experience working in a research based Electron Microscopy laboratory, which will have included teaching and mentoring in the design and execution of experiments, operating, maintaining and enhancing FIBSEM instruments as well as preparing samples for block face imaging with FIBSEM.
Please refer to the further particulars for a full list of the essential knowledge, skills and experience required for the role.
Informal enquiries about the position can be made to Professor Albert Cardona (ac2040@cam.ac.uk).
Fixed Term: the funds for this post are available for 4 years in the first instance.
Apply:
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
To apply for this post, please submit a CV, a motivation letter detailing why you want to be part of this project and how this post will be a good stepping-stone for your career. We also need the contact details for two people who can provide a professional reference.
The closing date for applications is 10 June 2025.
Please quote reference PM46083 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.
