Feed aggregator

The core bioinformatics group at the Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge is recruiting a Senior Bioinformatician to extend our capabilities in delivering world class research into developmental biology.

Our group supports researchers across the institute in experimental design, analysis and presentation of high throughput data. You will work collaboratively with researchers to develop new scientific understanding and contribute to publications. In addition, and depending on your skills and interests, you may contribute to the development of pipelines to supply researchers with processed data or development of new computational methods applicable to institute research. Computational biology themes within the institute include analysis of whole genome sequencing, RNA-seq, ChIP-seq/CUT&RUN and single-cell multiomics.

Working in a core bioinformatics group in an academic environment comes with a great number of benefits. You will work on diverse projects, utilising your existing skills and acquiring new ones, exploring the full breadth of cutting-edge developmental biology research taking place at the Gurdon Institute. Your work will have a meaningful impact on individuals as well as our research, solving their data analysis problems and helping them to gain skills.

You should have a PhD (or equivalent post-doctoral experience) in computational biology, a sound understanding of molecular biology, and a publication track record in bioinformatics. A high level of proficiency in Python and/or R programming in a Linux environment is essential.

The Gurdon Institute is a world-renowned centre of Developmental biology and Cancer research embedded in the University of Cambridge. It is supported by funding from the Wellcome Trust and Cancer Research UK, and 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 genomics, high-performance computing, super-resolution imaging and single-cell analysis.

Limited funding: The funds for this post are available until November 2026 in the first instance, with the possibility of extension subject to available funding.

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV (including the names of two people who can provide a letter of reference) in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline your research interests and why you are interested in the post.

If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact Adam Reid (ajr236@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 PR41597 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 Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit is an internationally renowned institution focused on the delivery of field-changing mechanistic insights into toxicology and disease.

We are looking to appoint two Research Laboratory Technicians to provide tissue culture, laboratory and media kitchen support to our research groups.

Main aspects of the role include:

• Maintain levels of Tissue Culture and laboratory consumables
• Collection of used glassware from laboratories. Cleaning and sterilising glassware and ensuring adequate supplies are available for use
• Provide a mycoplasma testing service - obtaining samples from research staff, perform lab-based assay, analyse results and present to research staff
• Collect and dispose of bagged general, biological, and chemical waste, including use of autoclaves
• Prepare media/buffer solutions
• Prepare Tissue Culture media additives using aseptic techniques
• Regular cleaning of Tissue Culture rooms and equipment
• Write, maintain and review Standard Operating Procedures and risk assessments
• Primary contact for DHL/FedEx shipments and receipts, nationally and internationally

You will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, be well organised and a reliable team player. You should be educated to A level, NVQ level 3 or have equivalent level of practical experience. Experience of working in a similar role is desirable together with a knowledge of laboratory practices.

The University offers a range of staff benefits which include:

• Competitive rates of pay with automatic service-related pay progression and annual cost of living increases
• An annual leave allowance of 36 days paid leave (including bank holidays)
• Generous maternity, adoption and shared parental leave entitlement and other family friendly schemes (e.g. workplace nurseries and salary exchange schemes for childcare)
• An auto-enrolment pension scheme, with a generous employer contribution
• Travel benefits and retail discounts at over 2,000 local and national stores

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.

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 PU41582 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 Keays Lab is a neuroscience group based in the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge. Our goal is to identify the molecules, cells and circuits that underlie the magnetic sense in pigeons. To achieve this we employ an iDISCO based assay coupled with light sheet microscopy that assesses neuronal activation within the pigeon brain, following exposure to magnetic fields. These experiments have confirmed that magnetic stimuli results in the activation of neurons in the vestibular nuclei, implicating the inner ear of pigeons in the magnetic sense. We have shown experimentally and by physical calculations that magnetic stimulation can induce electric fields in the pigeon semi-circular canals that are within the physiological range of known electroreceptive systems. This in turn led to the discovery of a splice isoform of a voltage-gated calcium channel (CaV1.3) in the pigeon inner ear that has been shown to mediate electroreception in skates and sharks (Nimpf et al, Current Biology 2019). These data have led us to propose that pigeons detect magnetic fields by electromagnetic induction within the semi-circular canals that is dependent on the presence of apically located voltage-gated cation channels in a population of electrosensory hair cells. Critically to this model is sampling of the magnetic field by head scanning behaviour. We are looking to appoint a part time (8 hours per week, 0.22 FTE) Research Assistant to assist with ongoing experiments that test this hypothesis.

We are looking for a part time research assistant to help with experiments and the analysis of data. This position will be based in Cambridge, however, the applicant should be prepared to spent time at our sister lab at LMU Germany. The position is funded by the European Research Council (ERC). We are looking for a passionate neuroscientist with an interest in systemic neuroscience, sensory biology, and/or inner ear function. Existing experience with software packages such as DeepLabCut, BombCell, ImageJ, and tools for quantitative analysis would be advantageous. The successful applicant will join a diverse and vibrant group, where team work is highly valued.

Informal enquiries about the position can be made to David Keays dak55@cam.ac.uk.

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, 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 22nd May 2024.

Please quote reference PM41579 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 post New fast track equity model appeared first on Cambridge Enterprise.

Frank Dobbin is Henry Ford II Professor of the Social Sciences, and chair of the Department of Sociology, at Harvard.

Abraham Alsawaf, a 4th-year medical student (Magdalene) studying neuroplasticity will discuss what happens to our brains in space.

Prof Marina Frolova-Walker a co-author with Jonathan Walker of the recently published book “Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5” will talk about the research for this book about Shostakovich's most controversial symphony which was composed at the height of Stalin's Purges saved the composer from official disfavour and deeply moved audiences.

Join Heather Adkins VP, Security Engineering & Head of Google’s Office of Cybersecurity Resilience, and Benefactor Fellow, for a talk and discussion with the Master of Emmanuel College, Doug Chalmers on cyber security in higher education, its challenges and opportunities.

We would like to welcome you to a screening of 'The End We Start From', which was adapted from a book by Megan Hunter. Megan will join us for a Q&A with Dr Laura McMahon after the film, which will be followed by a drinks reception.

The University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge is seeking a full-time fixed-term Assistant Conservator. The post-holder will provide practical and preventative specialist conservation advice and treatment across the collections.

The role offers a unique opportunity to work as part of a fast-paced team building practical experience working with natural history collections. Core activities will include providing conservation treatments to the permanent exhibits as well as upcoming exhibitions and stored collections. They will be responsible for the care of the collections through monitoring and improving upon environmental and storage conditions, including pest management. They will promote and develop best practice in conservation and collections care. The post-holder will also be expected to work on the Museum's spirit-preserved specimens.

It is essential the successful candidate is able to work independently and collaboratively with colleagues as well as have the ability to work effectively to deadlines.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to: Natalie Jones (Conservator) Email: nj273@cam.ac.uk

Interviews are planned in the week commencing Monday, 24 June 2024

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check, a health assessment 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 PF41566 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.

SCHOLARSHIP AWARD: £27,820.00 TAX FREE (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

This scholarship is for one year in the first instance, renewable for periods of one year up to a total of three years.

Our Senior Clinical Training Scholarship (SCTS) provides an outstanding opportunity to receive specialist training in all aspects of veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia. We have one scholarship available to start in November 2024.

You will be required to register for a post-graduate qualification by enrolling onto the European Diploma in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia.

You will receive core training in all aspects of academic and clinical anaesthesia and pain management plus relevant aspects of peri-operative medicine (including critical care) in both small and large animals at the Queen's Veterinary School Hospital. You will also be required to undertake and publish a research project and participate in one-to-one and small-group teaching of veterinary students. The training programme is approved by the European College of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia.

You must be a Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, or hold a veterinary degree qualifying you for membership. Membership will be required prior to commencing the Scholarship. A minimum of twelve months experience in a rotating internship or at least two years' experience in general practice is essential.

The scholarship has an abundance of benefits such as:

• Tax-free stipend
• Academic opportunities, e.g. teach Cambridge students during rotations and College supervision opportunities; weekly Department research and clinical seminars; journal and book clubs
• Generous CPD allowance

https://www.hospital.vet.cam.ac.uk/qvsh/internship-and-residency-programmes

A SCTS application form (SCTS1) and information pack can be downloaded from the following website: https://www.vet.cam.ac.uk/job

Informal enquiries should be directed to Alice Bird by email: arb59@cam.ac.uk

Applicants should supply a completed SCTS Application Form (SCTS1), Curriculum Vitae and Covering Letter giving reasons for wishing to undertake the SCTS 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 midnight on 26th of May 2024.

Please quote reference PP41539 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

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 for the role. 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.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the 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.

This is a new approach to vaccine development called ‘proactive vaccinology’, where scientists build a vaccine before the disease-causing pathogen even emerges.

The new vaccine works by training the body’s immune system to recognise specific regions of eight different coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-1, SARS-CoV-2, and several that are currently circulating in bats and have potential to jump to humans and cause a pandemic.

Key to its effectiveness is that the specific virus regions the vaccine targets also appear in many related coronaviruses. By training the immune system to attack these regions, it gives protection against other coronaviruses not represented in the vaccine – including ones that haven’t even been identified yet.

For example, the new vaccine does not include the SARS-CoV-1 coronavirus, which caused the 2003 SARS outbreak, yet it still induces an immune response to that virus.

“Our focus is to create a vaccine that will protect us against the next coronavirus pandemic, and have it ready before the pandemic has even started,” said Rory Hills, a graduate researcher in the University of Cambridge’s Department of Pharmacology and first author of the report.

He added: “We’ve created a vaccine that provides protection against a broad range of different coronaviruses – including ones we don’t even know about yet.”

The results are published today in the journal Nature Nanotechnology.

“We don’t have to wait for new coronaviruses to emerge. We know enough about coronaviruses, and different immune responses to them, that we can get going with building protective vaccines against unknown coronaviruses now,” said Professor Mark Howarth in the University of Cambridge’s Department of Pharmacology, senior author of the report.

He added: “Scientists did a great job in quickly producing an extremely effective COVID vaccine during the last pandemic, but the world still had a massive crisis with a huge number of deaths. We need to work out how we can do even better than that in the future, and a powerful component of that is starting to build the vaccines in advance.”

 

 

The new ‘Quartet Nanocage’ vaccine is based on a structure called a nanoparticle – a ball of proteins held together by incredibly strong interactions. Chains of different viral antigens are attached to this nanoparticle using a novel ‘protein superglue’. Multiple antigens are included in these chains, which trains the immune system to target specific regions shared across a broad range of coronaviruses.

This study demonstrated that the new vaccine raises a broad immune response, even in mice that were pre-immunised with SARS-CoV-2.

The new vaccine is much simpler in design than other broadly protective vaccines currently in development, which the researchers say should accelerate its route into clinical trials.

The underlying technology they have developed also has potential for use in vaccine development to protect against many other health challenges.

The work involved a collaboration between scientists at the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, and Caltech. It improves on previous work, by the Oxford and Caltech groups, to develop a novel all-in-one vaccine against coronavirus threats. The vaccine developed by Oxford and Caltech should enter Phase 1 clinical trials in early 2025, but its complex nature makes it challenging to manufacture which could limit large-scale production.

Conventional vaccines include a single antigen to train the immune system to target a single specific virus. This may not protect against a diverse range of existing coronaviruses, or against pathogens that are newly emerging.

The research was funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.

Reference: Hills, R.A. et al: ‘Proactive vaccination using multiviral Quartet Nanocages to elicit broad anti-coronavirus responses.’ Nature Nanotechnology, May 2024. DOI: 10.1038/s41565-024-01655-9

Researchers have developed a new vaccine technology that has been shown in mice to provide protection against a broad range of coronaviruses with potential for future disease outbreaks - including ones we don’t even know about

Our focus is to create a vaccine that will protect us against the next coronavirus pandemic, and have it ready before the pandemic has even started.Rory HillsStefan Cristian Cioata on GettySyringe and vaccine bottle

The text in this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Images, including our videos, are Copyright ©University of Cambridge and licensors/contributors as identified. All rights reserved. We make our image and video content available in a number of ways – on our main website under its Terms and conditions, and on a range of channels including social media that permit your use and sharing of our content under their respective Terms.

YesLicence type: Attribution-Noncommerical

A postdoctoral position is available for 3 months (in the first instance, extension possible) from 1 June 2024 to work with Florian Hollfelder at the Biochemistry Department of Cambridge University (https://hollfelder.bioc.cam.ac.uk/). The project focuses on harnessing metagenomic libraries for novel biocatalysts that break down or modify carbohydrates and may play a role in future sustainable processes with higher resource and energy efficiency.

We use ultrahigh throughput assays in microfluidic droplets to screen metagenomic libraries for new catalysts for applications in recycling, bioremediation and green chemistry. Candidate enzymes are mechanistically investigated, structurally characterised and subsequently improved by directed evolution. Ultrahigh-throughput screening in microfluidic picoliter droplets allows us to interrogate enzyme libraries with more than 10 million members experimentally in a day, increasing the chances of success in catalyst discovery.

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 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 3 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.

For an informal discussion please contact Professor Florian 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 PH41547 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.

During the Renaissance, artist and scientist Leonardo da Vinci described the heart's workings with a level of accuracy extraordinary for his day. In this talk, heart surgeon and artist Francis Wells will discuss da Vinci's sketches through a contemporary lens.

Movie Screening: The Cost Of Convenience examines how internet platforms are impacting our mental health, restructuring our communities, threatening our democracy, and violating our human rights.

Join us for an engaging expert panel discussion on the intersection of artificial intelligence and human rights. Moderated by Dr. Ella McPherson and Dr. Sharath Srinivasan, Co-Directors of the Centre of Governance and Human Rights, this event will feature insightful contributions from leading thinkers in the field.

The Department of Physiology, Development & Neuroscience (PDN) is seeking an enthusiastic Property Maintenance Apprentice from September 2024. This is an exciting opportunity to join our team at the University of Cambridge providing day to day maintenance.

The Apprentice will be part of the Departmental Facilities team and will study the PMO level 2 qualification. The team manages the maintenance and facilities across two buildings which consist of laboratories, classrooms, offices & lecture theatres. You will undertake training & increasingly over the apprenticeship, respond to breakdowns, perform preventive maintenance tasks and minor installation work.

You will be a great team player who has good organisation and time management skills. Due to the nature of this role, the successful candidate should have a good level of physical fitness.

What you'll do in a working day

• Learn basic skills of area of work (e.g. use of basic workshop tools and machinery)
• Work independently on elements of a project or task, referring all decisions to supervisor, applying new skills as appropriate
• Be involved with the general maintenance of the fabric of the building, including painting, minor carpentry work, installation of benching and flooring.
• Undertake preventive maintenance tasks such as air filters and drive belt changes, water temperature checks and fume hood inspections

The training you will be getting

The practical training period of the Property Maintenance Operative Level 2 Apprenticeship is the time dedicated to the development of the knowledge, skills, and behaviours for which includes the following components:

• A Property Maintenance Operative Apprenticeship at Level 2
• On-programme assignments and practical assessments
• Workplace portfolio of evidence
• English and maths at Level 2 must be achieved
• Day release at Cambridge campus and working alongside qualified, friendly and a small team of professionally trained/ experienced in Property Maintenance

Fixed-term: 27 months.

Apply

All applications for this vacancy are being handled by the training provider for this apprenticeship, Cambridge Regional College. Please follow this link to the national apprenticeship website to apply: https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/1000247990.

Closing Date: 30 May 2024. Interviews are expected to take place in June 2024.

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 Sainsbury Laboratory is a scientific research institute which focuses on plant developmental biology and computational modelling of plant development. It accommodates around 150 researchers, 30 professional staff and various visitors including students and other researchers.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and proactive Senior HR Coordinator to be responsible for the full range of HR services and to play a key role within the professional team that supports all operational aspects of running the Institute. The role requires regular interaction with a whole range of academics, staff, students and visitors.

The successful candidate will develop, implement and maintain an effective HR strategy to meet the Institute vision, and to ensure that the University HR policy and best practice are followed at all times.

Candidate should have a good HR working experience, ideally in Higher Education, including managing complex and sensitive personal issues. They should have excellent interpersonal, communication and organization skills with a positive, service-oriented, can-do attitude. They should be able to work independently as well as in a team, and have a pro-active approach to troubleshooting and problem-solving. Attention to detail and the ability to maintain confidentiality, operating with tact and discretion, are essential.

Candidates should be educated to a minimum of A-level (including GCSE English and Maths) and have a CIPD qualification level 5 or work toward the qualification.

The Institute is open to hybrid working, however there is an expectation that the postholder will be on-site for a minimum of three days per week.

The position is available immediately.

Limited funding: The funds for this post are available until 31 December 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.

For questions about this vacancy please email anne.crozat@slcu.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference PT41528 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.

This one-day symposium explores the relationship between film, art, and activism in the Amazon. Along with in-person discussions by international speakers, the programme includes a number of contemporary Amazonian films made by Indigenous creators who are using film to amplify their voices and contest historical marginalisation.

In our half-day event, open to academics, students and members of the public, we will explore these and other questions.