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School of the Biological Sciences

 

3-year PhD studentship (Fixed Term)

Applications are invited for a fully-funded 3-year studentship based in the Department of Pathology at the University of Cambridge under the supervision of Prof Nicholas Coleman and Dr Anton Enright.

**Project title: Investigating Alternative Splicing As A Driver Mechanism And Therapeutic Target In Squamous Cell Carcinoma**

Squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) are common malignancies that arise at sites including the skin, aero-digestive tract and genitourinary tract. Despite different SCCs being associated with at least one carcinogenic insult (e.g. tobacco, human papillomavirus infection and UV damage), the drivers of SCC carcinogenesis remain largely elusive. Our lab is testing the hypothesis that aberrant RNA splicing is a central mechanism of carcinogenesis in SCCs. We have recently shown that splicing dysregulation in SCCs is not a passenger phenomenon, but likely constitutes a critical driver of oncogenesis, reflected by splicing aberrations in hallmark-related genes across SCC subtypes and a difference in splicing regulation compared with healthy tissues and other tumour types.

This studentship will allow us to advance our understanding of how splicing contributes to oncogenesis in SCC and whether it is a vulnerability that can be targeted therapeutically. Our objectives will be:

  1. Build an atlas of alternative splicing in SCC, using, single-cell RNA sequencing, bulk deep transcriptional profiling and bulk whole genome sequencing. All data will be processed using our bespoke splice-aware RNA-Seq pipelines. The datasets will be examined to characterize subtype-specific and cross-subtype splicing signatures, as well as signatures linked to known causative environmental factors, such as UV damage or human papillomavirus infection.

  2. Understand the co-evolution of aberrant splicing and progression of HPV16-associated SCC, using the unique cell line model W12.

  3. Characterise the role of the splicing factor serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 10 (SRSF10) in regulating oncogenic splicing in SCC, by tracking splicing changes following depletion of SRSF10 in SCC vs. adenocarcinoma and non-malignant cell lines.

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.

This is a three year PhD studentship, funded by The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. It involves a combination of computational and wet lab research.

Applicants should hold (or expect to obtain) the equivalent of a UK 2.1 or higher in an undergraduate honours or Masters degree in a relevant subject such as molecular biology, genetics or computational biology. The studentship is open to those eligible for the Home rate of University fees. Applications should include academic transcripts, CV, statement of purpose and two references.

If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact postgrad@path.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference PK40360 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.

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Astra Zeneca funded Non clinical PhD Studentship (Fixed Term) in `Multimodal AI-guided tools for early prediction of disease progression in neurodegenerative disorders'.

Applications are invited for 4-year PhD studentship based in the Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge and the new AstraZeneca Discovery Centre at Cambridge. The student will be working on a collaborative project jointly supervised by Professor Zoe Kourtzi at Department of Psychology Cambridge in collaboration with AstraZeneca's Neuroscience (Dr Keith Tan, Dr Andrew Lowe) and Data Science & AI (Dr Philip Teare, Dr Gayathri Mohankumar) teams and will work have opportunity to work across the two sites. The project, entitled 'Multimodal AI-guided tools for early prediction of disease progression in neurodegenerative disorders' is in the field of AI for Neuroscience that has generated much excitement in both academia and industry.

The project focuses on the development and implementation of AI-guided approaches for early prediction of neurodegenerative disorders. In particular, we aim to develop an innovative data-driven approach that capitalises on state-of-the-art algorithms from artificial intelligence (foundational models) to mine multimodal data from polygenic risk scores, MRI scans, biomarkers and cognitive tasks for early prediction of disease progression. Using this cross-disciplinary approach, we will develop AI-guided tools that predict individualised disease trajectories. We will optimise and validate these tools using large-scale research data and real-world data from clinical trials to assess their efficacy in identifying the right patients for the right treatment.

Candidate

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual capable of thinking and working independently. Applicants should have or shortly expect to obtain a first or upper second-class degree from a UK university, or an equivalent standard from an overseas university, in a relevant subject such as Maths, Computer Science, Engineering, Neuroscience, Medicine. Experience with machine learning, data science, bioinformatics, clinical data analytics is desirable and background or strong interest in neuroscience and neurodegeneration preferable.

The position is open to UK citizens or overseas students who meet the UK residency requirements (home fees) or are able to augment the funds to cover the extra costs associated with international student fees through scholarships or funding schemes. Full details of the University's entrance requirements and scholarships are specified on the following link: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/

Funding Full funding covering Maintenance fees at £21,500 per annum and the University Composition Fee is provided for the studentship, with effect from 1 October 2024.

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

Application Process You can find out more about the Department of Psychology at https://www.psychol.cam.ac.uk/ and Please address any questions about this studentship to Professor Zoe Kourtzi at zk240@cam.ac.uk

Applications for this studentship should be made to the Department of Psychology. The course code is BLPC22 (PhD in Psychology). https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/application-process/how-do-i-apply

With your application you will be required to submit (i) a draft research proposal outlining your suitability, why you are interested in pursuing a PhD in this area, your background and research interests. (ii) your CV stating your citizenship and years of residence in the UK (If applicable) (iii) copies of your academic transcripts (iv) details of two academic referees.

Student support and training As a postgraduate student at Cambridge, you will have access to a wide range of training opportunities and benefit from close supervision provided by a primary and secondary PhD supervisor as well as a personal mentor. The collaboration between teams (Kourtzi, AstraZeneca) will provide you with unique cross-disciplinary training in discovery and translational neuroscience, as well as experience in translating research to industry and clinical practice.

During the PhD, there is no taught or examined coursework, but students are encouraged to attend the wide variety of lectures and training courses available to them across the Institute and wider University. This includes a centrally run Statistics course and the University Core Skills Training Programme, which includes sessions on Time Management, Presentation and Performance and Scientific Writing. Students at the Institute will be members of the University's Postgraduate School of Life Sciences (PSLS) who offer a wide variety of core skills and professional development training. Visit the Researcher Development page on the PSLS website for more information. In addition, the student can also take advantage of training courses and seminars in therapeutic sciences offered by Cambridge Academy of Therapeutic Sciences.

All students are expected to attend all internal and external seminars held within the Department of Psychology. Students will also be encouraged to attend and present at the annual AstraZeneca students symposium.

Diversity and Inclusion

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. We place major emphasis on the importance of team work and an enjoyable work environment as a foundation for performing internationally leading research. This will allow the student to acquire cutting edge research methodologies in a supportive environment, where they can focus on making the best possible scientific progress.

The closing date for applications will be Sunday 18 February 2024 at midnight.

Interviews will take place February/March 2024

Please quote reference PJ40357 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.

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Research Assistant in Health Psychology (Fixed Term)

We are inviting applications for a talented and motivated Research Assistant to working on a Cancer Research UK funded study with Dr Stephanie Archer. This project will look to develop a clinical pathway that enables the integration of multifactorial cancer risk assessment within secondary care breast services.

In particular, the work will involve conducting a rapid ethnography in two secondary care breast cancer services in the East of England, conducting interviews with key stakeholders (e.g. surgeons, nurses, radiologists, pathway co-ordinators, service managers), and conducting co-design workshops with patients, healthcare professionals and non-clinical staff.

The successful post holder will need to hold a degree in a relevant field (such as psychology) and will have experience with qualitative methods including a range of data collection formats (e.g. ethnography, interviews, focus groups) and analysis types (e.g. thematic/content). Applicants should have experience of working with multiple stakeholders (e.g. patients, healthcare professionals, policy makers) across a range of applied healthcare settings

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 28 February 2025 in the first instance.

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

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

For informal inquiries, please contact Dr Stephanie Archer at saa71@cam.ac.uk

Closing Date: Wednesday 14th February 2024 at midnight

Interviews: w/c Monday 19th February 2024

Please quote reference PJ40347 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.

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Research Assistant (Fixed Term)

The University of Cambridge wishes to appoint a highly motivated Research Assistant to join the group of Dr Rahul Roychoudhuri at the Department of Pathology and assist in the running of a well-funded research lab of approximately 8-10 scientists.

The laboratory aims to better understand how immune function is dysregulated in cancer and inflammatory diseases using cutting-edge mouse models and cellular and molecular biology approaches. Our aim is to inform development of new immune-based therapies for patients with cancer and inflammatory disease.

You will be expected to oversee and provide technical support to the laboratory, alongside the group leader, and will contribute to laboratory management and general laboratory duties. You will be responsible for overall management of the laboratory's animal research programme, which includes managing the laboratory's transgenic mouse colonies using a fully implemented electronic colony management system, liaising with animal technicians, coordinating commercial genotyping of transgenic mice and directly assisting with in vivo experiments. You will closely interact with other researchers within and outside the lab and be involved in the design and implementation of experiments and development of new techniques and research areas. You will also be involved in assisting the group leader with specific administrative and laboratory management tasks and opportunities are available to develop in this role over the longer term.

Applicants must have a degree in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology or a related discipline and experience of mouse research, including working with experimental mice, administration of substances and tissue dissection. You will join a young and dynamic group, whose core values include enthusiasm, openness and integrity.

Key responsibilities:

  • Contribute to the day-to-day running of the laboratory, including managing the laboratory's mouse colonies in communication with dedicated animal technicians. Assistance with design and implementation of mouse immunology experiments.

  • Overseeing and providing technical and administrative support to the lab, alongside the group leader. Conducting experiments that lead to development of new techniques and research areas. Contributing to supervision and training of other lab members.

  • Interacting closely with other researchers within and outside the lab and participating actively in development of research questions, experimental design and troubleshooting.

Essential criteria:

  • Independent, motivated and highly organized individual, who is passionate about science and keen to support the day-to-day coordination of a collaborative team of scientists.

  • Applicants must have a degree in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology or a related discipline.

  • Experience of mouse research, including working with experimental mice, administration of substances and tissue dissection. Ability to learn and assimilate new techniques, and to train other researchers.

  • Demonstrate core values of team working, enthusiasm, openness and integrity.

Desirable criteria:

  • Interest in and aptitude of laboratory management and administration with the potential to develop in this role over the longer term.

  • Ability to perform, or eagerness to learn, mouse intravenous tail vein and other injections to assist new group members.

  • Good computing and data management skills.

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

For more information about the work of the laboratory, visit: http://roychoudhuri.path.cam.ac.uk

Informal enquiries about the position can be made by email to rr257@cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference PK40293 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.

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Senior Cleaner

The Department of Biochemistry, a large and flourishing academic community that enjoys a world-class reputation for both teaching and research, is embedded in the School of the Biological Sciences. An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and efficient individual to join the Department's Domestic Services team as a Senior Cleaner - a key role in servicing departmental operations, leading others by example.

Based in a busy and friendly professional services team, and reporting to the Facilities Superintendent, the successful candidate will join a dynamic and dedicated team of domestic support specialists who work as a team to underpin the Department's performance and reputation as a modern, progressive academic teaching and research institution.

An early riser (start time is between 6am-7am), the successful candidate will thrive in leading and overseeing others, working as part of a team, but will also be content working alone, maintaining a flexible and friendly attitude at all times.

They will have a good level of oral communication, a high standard of English, and the ability to give and receive written and verbal instructions - including safety instructions regarding the use of cleaning chemicals.

Duties include thorough cleaning of all areas, including research laboratories, offices, teaching and meeting rooms, communal areas, stairways, WCs and washrooms. Directing and participating in the collection, cleaning and return of laboratory glassware is also an important element of this role.

A good general education (GCSE /NVQ level 2) or equivalent level of practical experience is required, and experience of experience of laboratory and/or office cleaning, including the use of mechanical scrubber/polishing equipment is essential. Physically fit, the successful candidate will enjoy an active and varied workload.

We are a friendly Department and value all our staff for the contribution that they make to our community. We hold various social activities throughout the year and staff are also able to make use of free passes to the University Botanic Garden. They also enjoy a subsidised staff canteen service.

For this position, the University Real Living Wage (RLW) supplement applies, which sets the minimum rate of pay at £12 per hour. The salary band holds the opportunity to progress to £25,138 subject to performance.

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.

For an informal discussion please contact the Facilities Superintendent, Mr Steven Godby (email: sjg86@cam.ac.uk).

For further assistance, please contact the Biochemistry HR team via email: personnel@bioc.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference PH40331 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.

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Research Associate (Fixed Term)

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 July 2025 in the first instance.

Applications are invited for a post-doctoral research associate in Cassava Genetics to work with Prof Uta Paszkowski at the Crop Science Centre, starting early April 2024.

The Crop Science Centre which opened in October 2020 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.

Association of plant root systems with beneficial arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi can improve crop nutrition, growth and yield. Across different crop species, genetic variation exists that underpins the extent of benefit from the interaction. Despite its potential for improving crop performance sustainably, breeding programmes so far have not prioritised 'mycorrhizal responsiveness' as a target trait. In this short project, we wish to conduct an initial examination of Africa-relevant, genetically diverse Cassava lines for AM benefit. The projected work will involve a high-throughput metabolite-based screen combined with standard microscopic and physiological validation.

Applicants must have a solid background in plant genetics; available knowledge in basic bioinformatics, would be advantageous.

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

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be directed to Professor Paszkowski, up220@cam.ac.uk

As a signatory of the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment, the University of Cambridge does not use journal level metrics when assessing the quality of research outputs. Applicants should not include journal level metrics, such as the Journal Impact Factor, anywhere in their application materials. Applicants should highlight a select subset of what they consider to be their most important research outputs and provide a brief narrative account of their significance.

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 PD40264 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.

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Receptionist [Temporary Cover] (Part Time)

We are looking to recruit a maternity cover Visitor Services Receptionist, 32.5 hours per week within the Visitor Services Team of the Botanic Garden, Monday to Friday.

The purpose of the role is to provide a reception service for the Department providing a welcoming and efficient service to visitors and staff and to run the Botanic Garden's Enquiry Point, as a member of the Visitor Services team.

The successful candidate will be the first point of call for visitors to the Botanic Garden's offices, as a hub for all telephone calls and e-mails arriving through our dedicated Enquiry Point, replying to general enquiries and forwarding to other staff for reply as appropriate. Responsible for the distribution of mail and receipt of deliveries, additional administration support for all areas of the Department, including Administration and Finance teams.

Interviews - week commencing 11 March 2024 Expected start date - week commencing 1 April 2024.

Temporary cover: This post is fixed-term for 1 years or the return of the post holder, whichever is the earlier.

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.

For any questions relating to this recruitment please contact admin@botanic.cam.ac.uk

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