Research Associate (Fixed Term)

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

Applications are invited for this postdoctoral position, as part of a project funded by the PetPlan Charitable Trust, which will aim to identify novel biomarkers of kidney disease in cats. Early diagnosis of kidney disease in cats is currently hampered by the late onset of symptoms and a lack of reliable non-invasive diagnostic tests, therefore this project will investigate if miRNAs within urinary extracellular vesicles (EVs) can be used as non-invasive biomarkers for chronic kidney disease in cats. Study of changes in the miRNA content of urinary EVs may also provide insights into the pathophysiology underlying chronic kidney disease in cats that might in turn lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies that can delay the onset and progression of kidney disease.

The applicant will work alongside Dr Tim Williams and Professor Fiona Karet, both of which have a proven track record in EV research, and Dr Andrew Grant and Dr Xiaonan Wang (Shanghai University), who have extensive experience in transcriptome analysis, including bioinformatics. The main focus of the research led by Dr Williams is to study the biology of EVs and investigate their utility as a source of biomarkers of renal and urinary tract diseases in humans and mammals.

Further information about the work of the group can be found at

https://www.vet.cam.ac.uk/directory/tlw27

Applicants should have a PhD, in Molecular Biology or a related discipline, and ideally have experience in quantitative molecular biology. Expertise in bioinformatics is essential and previous research experience with extracellular vesicles is desirable but not essential. The candidate must value teamwork and collaboration, have good administrative and interpersonal skills, and high computer literacy especially in relation to the analysis of DNA sequences and the use of bioinformatics software.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click on the apply button above.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Tim Williams (tlw27@cam.ac.uk) 

Interviews will be held: 9 November 2023 

Please quote reference PP38699 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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