Research Associate (Fixed Term)

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 18 months in the first instance.

The world faces a major infectious disease challenge that is being made worse by antimicrobial resistance. We need new therapeutic modalities that overcome resistance and that do not affect the natural gastrointestinal flora, which is proven to be essential for gastrointestinal health. We contend that cell shape may be a targetable Achilles heel for enteric bacterial pathogens and has not yet been fully exploited for drug discovery and applications. To enable us to continue to explore this area of research, we have an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our team.

The focus of the research, led by Principal Investigator Dr Andrew Grant, is to perform hit profiling and mode of action studies on small molecules that alter the shape of enteric bacterial pathogens (Shigella flexneri, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium).

The workplan for the advertised position is anticipated to include the following components: (i) Hit profiling (characterisation of small molecule hits and hit expansion), and (ii) Mode of action studies (experiments to characterise functional activity and to assess any impact on bacterial virulence and host-pathogen interactions).

This is an 18-month appointment funded by the GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Tres Cantos Open Lab Foundation (TCOLF), and is based in Tres Cantos, near Madrid in Spain.

The Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge is handling the recruitment for this role, but the successful applicant will be employed by GSK.

You will join us with: A PhD in Molecular Microbiology or a related discipline. A good understanding of bacterial pathogens. Practical experience in handling and manipulating bacterial pathogens. Practical experience in molecular, proteomic and cell culture assays. Excellent level of oral and written communication skills, with the ability to deal with a wide range of people across all levels. Proactive approach to problem solving everyday issues. Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines. Experience with high-content imaging platforms (Desirable). Experience of high-throughput drug screens (Desirable).

The ideal candidate will value teamwork and collaboration and will be able to demonstrate good administrative and interpersonal skills, and a high-level of computer literacy.

For the successful applicant, accommodation during the stay in GSK R&D Tres Cantos in Madrid will be available from the day of arrival and directly paid (rent and utilities) by TCOLF, provided that the successful applicant relocates to one of the flats administered in Tres Cantos. Any other accommodation arrangement during the stay at GSK premises will not be covered by TCOLF. Accommodation at the University of Cambridge, if needed, is not eligible for TCOLF funding.

Relocation support for the successful applicant will be given on and after arrival by TCOLF to facilitate some processes (e.g., open bank account, council registration, phone and internet suppliers, residence/identification card etc).

Informal enquiries about the project, should be directed to Dr Andrew Grant (ajg60@cam.ac.uk). 

Queries regarding the application process, should be directed to Julie Ingham (ji217@cam.ac.uk).

Interviews will be held: 17 May 2023

Please quote reference PP36024 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.

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