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School of the Biological Sciences

 

Research Laboratory Technician (Fixed Term)

Applications are invited for a Research Laboratory Technician with a background in plant molecular biology and genetics, whose primary role will be to support the research projects and contribute to grant objectives for Dr Evan Ellison at the Crop Science Centre within the Department of Plant Sciences. This is an exciting opportunity for somebody enthusiastic to gain experience working in plant molecular biology and genetics, gene editing, and plant-microbe interactions.

You will work under the management of Dr Evan Ellison to provide laboratory support for research programs under his direction. The post-holder will contribute to the experimental work associated with molecular biology protocols (cloning, RNA and DNA extractions, expression analysis, plant husbandry and plant crosses), histology, and computational phenotyping methods.

The post-holder will also be responsible for the organization of experiments assessing interactions with viral pathogens and beneficial microbes.

We are seeking to appoint an individual with strong organisational and communication skills, who takes pride on their job and are team players.

The successful candidate must have excellent attention to details and should have practical experience in plant molecular biology laboratory activities and research.

The role holder will also need good communication and interpersonal skills.

The Crop Science Centre opened in October 2020 and is part of the Department of Plant Sciences. It benefits from the diverse skills and expertise of the University of Cambridge and NIAB, providing an environment for research excellence in crops, with the drive and expertise for scientific translation to address real-world problems. Over 70 staff and students are located at the Centre, distributed in between three established research groups and three fellows starting new research programs.

The Crop Science Centre offer a positive and inclusive working environment with a generous annual leave entitlement and free parking on site.

We welcome a diversity of applicants and have developed an application process that removes, as much as possible, any bias in selection. Informal enquiries are welcome and should be directed to Dr Evan Ellison (eee26@cam.ac.uk).

Please note that this role if for Internal applicants only.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 29 May 2026 in the first instance.

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.

If you have not received any response 1 month after the closing date you should consider your application to be unsuccessful.

Please quote reference PD46236 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.

Categories: Latest Jobs

Executive Manager [Maternity Cover]

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Loke Centre for Trophoblast Research (CTR) at the University of Cambridge as Executive Manager, providing maternity cover for the current postholder.

About the Role

This is a senior administrative role supporting the Director of the Centre and providing strategic and operational leadership across a diverse portfolio of activities. This varied role offers the chance to work at the heart of a collaborative, interdisciplinary research centre.

You will coordinate key processes related to governance, recruitment, communications, events, and HR, and act as the main point of contact for internal and external stakeholders.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Acting as Secretary to the Loke CTR Board of Managers and Scientific Advisory Board, preparing agendas, drafting papers, producing minutes, and tracking follow-up actions.
  • Leading HR processes for Loke CTR-funded PhD studentships and Next Generation Fellowships, including advertising, coordinating interviews, and liaising with supervisors, funders, and HR.
  • Managing the day-to-day operations of the Centre, including staff line management, budgeting, team meetings, and supporting efficient internal processes and inductions.
  • Overseeing the work of the Loke CTR Events and Communications Administrator, including visitor support and internal communications.
  • Supporting academic events and public engagement activities including seminars, conferences, and the Loke CTR Annual Meeting.
  • Financial and governance responsibilities, including managing expenses and consumables, and maintaining accurate records in line with University policies.
  • Providing support for strategic development of the Loke CTR, including coordinating funding applications and contributing to the Centre's long-term financial sustainability.
  • Managing use of office space, coordinating refurbishments, and liaising with departmental administrators.

About You

We are looking for a well-organised, proactive and collaborative individual with experience in academic administration or research management. You will have strong interpersonal and communication skills, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to work independently across a diverse range of responsibilities. Previous experience in a Cambridge department or a similar university environment is desirable.

This role is ideally suited to someone with experience in Cambridge administration who is looking to broaden their operational leadership skills in a supportive environment. The role would also suit a recent PhD graduate looking to gain strategic operations and project management experience in a research environment.

About us

The Loke CTR, based in the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience (PDN), is an internationally recognized centre of excellence committed to advancing the scientific study of the placenta, early development, and maternal-fetal interactions. The Centre is a vibrant, interdisciplinary hub that brings together over 30 research groups across the University.

The core staff team, based in PDN, consists of six people, including the Executive Manager, Events and Communications Administrator, Licensing Coordinator, and Technicians with key support from the departmental Finance, HR and Student Administration teams.

Working Arrangements

The post is offered full-time, though applications from those wishing to work 0.8 FTE or in a job-share will be considered. The role is largely office based but we offer the flexibility of some hybrid working once induction is complete and would be happy to discuss this as part of the interview process. A detailed handover period is planned with overlap with the current postholder.

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

How to Apply

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

To apply online, click the 'Apply' button on the University jobs portal. Please ensure that you upload a curriculum vitae and cover letter indicating how you would contribute to the responsibilities of the post.

References will be requested from candidates after interviews.

If you are currently employed by the University of Cambridge and would like to apply on the basis of a secondment, please discuss this with your line manager and apply via the University jobs portal. In your application, outline your suitability and what you hope to gain from the secondment.

Find out more

For informal enquiries, please contact Erin Slatery at execmgr.lokectr@pdn.cam.ac.uk.

Please quote reference PM46199 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.

Categories: Latest Jobs

Domestic Assistant (Part Time, Fixed Term)

People are at the heart of everything we do at Pathology, so why not join our team as a Domestic Assistant. We can offer a welcoming work environment where you can feel valued, encouraged to develop, and supported, so that you can achieve your full potential.

The Department of Pathology is one of the larger departments in the University with a highly active research and teaching programme.

The role holder will be assigned to the Department's site at Addenbrooke's Hospital and will be a member of the Central Services Domestic Team supervised daily by a Domestic Supervisor. Along with other members of the Central Services Domestic Team, the role holder will be required to provide cover for absences and from time-to-time will be requested to work at the Department's other buildings in central Cambridge.

The role holder will undertake cleaning work at the Department of Pathology's Addenbrooke's site to ensure that the facilities are cleaned and maintained to a high standard and provide a portering and custodian service for the Department of Pathology's Addenb.rooke's site. The role holder will also undertake waste disposal in accordance with NHS regulations and recycle (where required.

The Head of Department may also from time to time require the role holder to perform other duties appropriate to the grade of post.

Requirements of the role holder:

  • Ability to work to a routine with the minimum of supervision.

  • Reliable and have good time keeping.

  • Good communication skills with the ability to follow written and verbal instructions.

  • Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.

  • Basic general Health and Safety awareness, including the ability to understand instructions regarding the safe use of chemicals.

  • Ability to manage own time in order to cover all aspects of the work.

  • Demonstrate a high level of professionalism at all times.

Additional requirements:

  • Visiting the Department's other buildings in central Cambridge when required.

  • Due to the nature of the work a good level of physical fitness is required.

Please check attached Further Particulars for more information.

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.

We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.

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 Mr Caius Liu: cl870@cam.ac.uk

Queries regarding the application process should be directed to Miss Ellie Watson (HR Administrator): ew649@cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference PK46197 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.

Categories: Latest Jobs

Identifying novel anti-malarial transmission blocking vaccine targets on the parasitic zygote

Applications are invited for a fully-funded 4-year PhD studentship based in the Department of Pathology at the University of Cambridge under the supervision of Dr Andrew Blagborough (https://www.path.cam.ac.uk/directory/andrew-blagborough) starting January 2026.

Malaria, caused by Plasmodium parasites and transmitted by female Anopheles mosquitoes, remains a devastating infectious disease. Within the mosquito, the malaria parasite undergoes a complex and delicate lifecycle that can be successfully targeted using transmission blocking vaccines (TBVs). The most promising lifecycle stages to target with TBVs is the parasitic ookinete, a motile zygote that is essential for transmission. However, our knowledge of the surface proteins that can initiate an immunological response on the ookinete surface is limited. Using novel genetically altered parasites, this project aims to identify novel TBV targets on the surface of the ookinete, building a molecular map of the poorly understood parasite surface and facilitating the development of novel anti-malarial TBVs.. For more information please see here: https://www.path.cam.ac.uk/graduate/fully-funded-studentships

Funding will cover the student's stipend at the current Research Council rate and Home University Fees. The studentship will be funded for four years from January 2026. The studentships are available to students who qualify for UK Home fees only. Please check your eligibility here: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/fees/what-my-fee-status.

Applicants should hold (or expect to obtain) the equivalent of a high UK 2.1 or higher in an undergraduate honors or Masters degree in a relevant subject. The studentship is open to those eligible for the Home rate of University fees.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 4 years in the first instance.

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.

All applications should be made online via the University's Applicant Portal (https://apply.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/applicant/login?dswid=5924) for a PhD in Pathology (BLPA22). Applications should include academic transcripts, CV and 2 references. An application is only complete when all supporting documents, including the 2 academic references, are submitted. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure their referees submit their references before the closing date. Please also explain your motivation why you wish to pursue a PhD in this area, outline your research interests and background, and describe the qualities and experience you will bring to the role.

Please quote reference PK46214 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.

Categories: Latest Jobs

Unestablished Teaching Associate in Social Psychology (Fixed Term)

We are seeking a Social Psychologist to join the Department of Psychology as a Teaching Associate. The purpose of this role is to support and maintain the University's national and international reputation for excellence in teaching. The successful candidate will demonstrate a willingness to contribute to undergraduate education within the Department of Psychology and an ability to teach effectively at undergraduate level.

Reporting to the Head of Undergraduate Teaching, Lee de-Wit, the post-holder will support the Department of Psychology's teaching in Social Psychology. The post-holder will work in collaboration with relevant Course Organisers and the Deputy Head of Department for Teaching, conducting social lectures for undergraduate students, providing small group supervisions for final year students, and contributing to marking exam marking in first and third year. The role will involve liaising with lecturers, students and administrative staff.

It is essential that the post-holder has a background in Social Psychology. The candidate should demonstrate a commitment to teaching and will ideally have experience of teaching at university level. It is essential that the post-holder is self-motivated, can work independently as well as part of a team, and has good organisational and communication skills.

The position is funded for 1 year. The successful candidate is expected to take up the post of Teaching Associate on 9th September 2025.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 8 September 2026 in the first instance.

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 are welcome, please contact Dr Lee de-Wit: lhd26@cam.ac.uk

Closing Date: Sunday 26th June 2025 at midnight

The interview date is projected to be the week beginning 30/06/2025, and will involve a short skills-based test.

Please quote reference PJ46205 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.

Categories: Latest Jobs

2025-06-12 10:00 - Cambridge Patient and Public Involvement Showcase

What's on in the University - Thu, 05/06/2025 - 11:42
What difference does public involvement make to our research in Cambridge? Come and find out!

2025-06-11 12:00 - Health Research in Cambridge and how you can help shape it! (online)

What's on in the University - Thu, 05/06/2025 - 11:42
Find out more about health research in Cambridge and how you can help researchers improve their research.

2025-06-12 15:30 - PPI in Discovery & Pre-clinical research panel discussion

What's on in the University - Thu, 05/06/2025 - 11:41
What difference does public involvement make in pre-clinical research- Come and find out!

2025-06-09 11:00 - Getting involved in Cambridge- Come meet our public involvement teams!

What's on in the University - Thu, 05/06/2025 - 11:41
Meet Public Involvement Teams at the drop in session

MPhil Programme Administrator

The School of Biological Sciences (SBS), within the University of Cambridge, is seeking to appoint an MPhil Programme Administrator to join the programme management team for the School's MPhil in Biological Sciences by Advanced Study programme. This is an exciting and varied role, with the post holder reporting to the Programme Coordinator and contributing to the administrative operation of the MPhil programme based within the School's Postgraduate Office, ensuring the smooth running of teaching and learning activities and compliance with all relevant University policies and procedures.

Duties are varied and will include administrative and advisory support for the MPhil programme as well as other activities based within the Postgraduate Office. The post holder will also support the work of key committees, acting as secretary at management meetings and exam boards where appropriate, preparing agenda papers and producing minutes, assisting with the drafting of documents such as handbooks and guidance materials, giving advice on matters of policy and procedures as required. Providing administrative support for research, teaching, and learning-support activities. Coordinating the admissions process, with support from the Programme Coordinator and in accordance with the procedures set out by the Postgraduate Admissions Office and Faculty Degree Committee.

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 full-time position working Monday ¿ Friday with a mix of office based and hybrid working to be agreed with the line-manager.

Applications from agencies will not be considered. If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact Antonia.shacklock@admin.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 PA46216 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.

Categories: Latest Jobs

Research Assistant (Bulstrode Lab) (Fixed Term)

The Bulstrode Lab studies the biology of neural stem cells in development, cancer and neurodegeneration. We are also developing new technology for targeted delivery of treatments to patients. Recent grant award from Parkinson's UK will fund a Research Assistant to join the group and work respectively on:

(1) 'Developing an Adaptable Dopamine Cell Therapy for Parkinson's Using the HIF Pathway'

The successful candidate will have a strong basic science research track record. Experience in some or all of mammalian cell culture, routine molecular biology workflows, imaging, cloning, and next generation sequencing analysis is highly desirable.

We benefit from privileged access to human patient tissue resected at operation and to human embryo brain tissue, and you will be applying the above techniques to state-of-the-art human model systems including:

  • Primary patient-derived cell lines
  • Pluripotent stem-derived neurons and organoids.
  • Human brain organotypic slice culture
  • Isolated human brain cell fractions

Alongside the aptitude and initiative to pursue personal research objectives, candidates will need to demonstrate the scientific knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm to help guide students day-to-day, contribute scientifically and socially to the lab and wider institute, and contribute some admin and organisational duties. It is essential that the successful candidate can work both independently and as part of a research team, with good communication and organisational skills.

Key responsibilities

  • Plan and manage your research project work and coordinate day-to-day research activity within the framework of the agreed programme.
  • Already be familiar with or have the capacity to become quickly familiar with standard research techniques detailed ('Relevant Experience' below).
  • Analyse and interpret research results including next generation sequencing datasets
  • Present research progress and outcomes at lab meetings and conferences
  • Keep abreast of developments and publications in the field
  • Advise based on your experience and expertise on student research questions, experimental design, interpretation and presentation in the wider group.
  • Contribute to lab administrative duties e.g. maintenance of safety and tissue records, laboratory duty rotas and ordering of supplies.
  • Liaise with colleagues and students around day-to-day lab business and establishing links to expand knowledge and understanding, and develop collaborations
  • Contribute pro-actively to collaborative projects with colleagues in partner institutions, and research groups.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 3 August 2027 in the first instance.

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

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

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

Closing date: 19th June 2025

Interview date: to be confirmed

Please quote reference PS46217 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.

Categories: Latest Jobs

General Catering Assistant (Part Time, Fixed Term)

The Department of Pathology employs in excess of 300 Academic, Research and Support staff, and provision of a canteen facility is seen as an integral part of the welfare of the department. The facility provides hot and cold drinks, refreshments, and lunches, and is open daily throughout the year. It also serves an important function in providing refreshments for the many meetings, seminars and other events that are held in the department.

The Department of Pathology now has an opportunity for an General Catering Assistant to join our small Canteen and Facilities team. We are looking for somebody to help co-ordinate the smooth running of the canteen, this will involve preparing food, stock checks, ordering supplies and serving members of the Department. You will also assist the other members of the Facilities team with checks, inspections, cleaning, portering, and any other tasks suitable to the grade.

The successful applicant will also be responsible for working within the requirements of food safety and hygiene and for the daily supervision of the Facilities Administrator.

Key skills and experience

Essential

  • Experience of food preparation in a kitchen /catering establishment.

  • Knowledge of food safety legislation.

  • Good organisational skills.

  • Good communication skills.

  • Time management.

  • Ability to work as part of a team.

  • Level 2 food hygiene certificate.

Desirable

  • NVQ2 or City and Guilds 706 1 & 2 in a relevant subject or equivalent.

  • GCSE Maths and English or equivalent.

  • Friendly outgoing nature.

Please check attached Further Information file for more details.

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.

We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.

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 Mr Caius Liu: cl870@cam.ac.uk

Queries regarding the application process should be directed to Miss Ellie Watson (HR Administrator): ew649@cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference PK46179 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.

Categories: Latest Jobs

2025-08-02 10:30 - An Introduction to Bargello with Cecilia Charlton

What's on in the University - Wed, 04/06/2025 - 09:21
Join Cecilia Charlton for this Bargello workshop and create small embroideries that can be used as gifts or ornaments.

2025-07-30 18:30 - Mini Ceramic Pinch Pots with Daniela Stief

What's on in the University - Wed, 04/06/2025 - 09:21
Join ceramic artist, Daniela Stief to make patterned pinch pots and dishes with glazed glass interiors.

2025-07-23 18:00 - Evening Decorative Copper Tile Making with Rebecca Stark

What's on in the University - Wed, 04/06/2025 - 09:21
Inspired by the intricate patterns of David Parr House, this hands-on workshop will introduce you to the traditional art of copper embossing. Perfect for beginners and experienced crafters alike, you will learn how to create your own decorative metalwork piece using emboss and repoussé techniques.

2025-07-02 18:00 - Lino Block-Print Seed Packets with Nastasha Boyce

What's on in the University - Wed, 04/06/2025 - 09:21
Inspired by the blossoming David Parr garden, spend an evening with printmaker Nastasha Boyce and create your own lino-block printed seed packets.

2025-06-28 11:00 - The Art of Textile Jewellery with Tanvi Kant

What's on in the University - Wed, 04/06/2025 - 09:21
Join artist Tanvi Kant for a vibrant textiles workshop to rework a variety of fabric remnants. You will learn how to make intricate fabric cords and transform them into tactile jewellery. This informal workshop is open to all levels who have good hand dexterity. Remember to bring your reading glasses if you require them to view close details.

2025-06-21 10:30 - Print & Make a Lampshade with Lydia Finney

What's on in the University - Wed, 04/06/2025 - 09:21
Create a bespoke drum lampshade with block printing on fabric in this engaging workshop led by Lydia, a skilled fabric printer and maker from Suffolk.

2025-07-03 17:00 - Sir Grayson Perry lecture

What's on in the University - Wed, 04/06/2025 - 09:21
A lecture by Sir Grayson Perry in conjunction with the summer 2025 Robert Cripps Gallery exhibition of Paragon Press prints.