Research Assistant/Research Associate (Fixed Term)

We are seeking an enthusiastic, motivated individual for a position in the group of Professor Mike Weekes, Department of Medicine in the Cambridge Institute for Medical Research at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. You will join an exciting research programme investigating novel aspects of foreign DNA sensing and signaling that we have recently discovered. This post will involve the use of cutting edge proteomic and biochemical techniques.

This position is available for an immediate appointment. Candidates must either have a PhD in a relevant biological subject, or have submitted or about to submit their PhD thesis. Candidates must also have demonstrable expertise in virology, cell biology and/or molecular biology. Additional training in proteomics will be provided. Relevant post-doctoral experience is desirable. High quality peer-reviewed publications and a keen interest in viral/cellular regulation are essential.

If you have an excellent background in biological sciences, are prepared to face intellectual challenges and wish to develop your scientific skills, we would like to hear from you. Applicants should have outstanding organisation and communication skills, and work well as part of a team.

The Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR) is located on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus and it is a collaborative institute at the interface between fundamental research and the clinic, with a mission to determine the molecular mechanisms of disease in order to advance human health.

Funding for this position is for 3 years in the first instance with a start date as soon as possible.

*In addition to the base salary the successful candidate for this post will receive an additional 2.5% supplement to their pay.*

*Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD including those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD. Where a PhD has yet to be, awarded appointment will initially be made at Research Assistant and amended to research associate when the PhD is awarded (PhD needs to be awarded within 6 months of the start date)*

For recent related publications, see below:

Nightingale et al. (2018) Cell Host & Microbe doi: 10.1016/j.chom.2018.07.011 Albarnaz et al. (2023) Nature Communications. doi: 10.1038/s41467-023-43299-8 Ravenhill et al. (2025) Cell Reports. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2025.115263

Informal enquiries to Professor Mike Weekes: mpw1001@cam.ac.uk 

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

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: 1st October 2025

Interview date: Mid October 2025

For information about how your personal data is used as an applicant, please see the section on Applicant Data (https://www.hr.admin.cam.ac.uk/hr-staff/hr-data/applicant-data) on our HR web pages.

Please quote reference SC45751 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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