Research Associate (Huntly Lab - Fixed Term)

We are seeking a postdoctoral Research Associate to work on an exciting new multi-disciplinary project studying B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (B-ALL). The project is a collaboration between Dr Simon Richardson and Prof Brian Huntly, and is funded by Cancer Research UK.

Our project focusses on mechanistically understanding and targeting a ubiquitylation complex involved in the DNA damage response in B-ALL. We will develop novel cell line models for use in cutting edge proximity-based ubiquitylation proteomic assays (in collaboration with Prof Sir Steve Jackson, CRUK Cambridge Institute) and advanced functional genomics screens (in collaboration with the pioneering Cancer Research UK-AstraZeneca Functional Genomics Centre). The results will deliver target validation and biomarker identification, providing a platform for small molecule drug development.

The project will be based in the lab of Brian Huntly in the Department of Haematology and Cambridge Stem Cell Institute (https://www.stemcells.cam.ac.uk/people/pi/huntly) and led by Dr Simon Richardson, twice finalist for CRUK Early Career Entrepreneur of the Year, whose recent work in B-ALL has been patented by CRUK and is progressing to early phase clinical trials. The Huntly Lab has an outstanding record in studying the mechanisms of transcriptional and epigenetic dysregulation that drive leukaemia and lymphoma. We have particularly strong expertise functional and genomic experiments in experimental model systems and patient samples and a record of identifying pathological mechanisms, therapeutic targets and novel therapies (e.g. Garcia-Gimenez et al, Nat Commun, 2025; Shah et al, Blood, 2025; Lara-Astiaso et al, Nature Genetics, 2023; Agrawal-Singh et al, Blood, 2023).

You will have or be about to complete a PhD in a relevant discipline. Experience working with cell lines is essential. Experience with CRISPR-Cas9 screens, proteomic assays or biochemical profiling would be desirable. Previous studies of haematological malignancies or DNA damage response would be highly desirable.

Cambridge is one of the best places in the world to be a biomedical scientist. You will be based in the University of Cambridge's £94m flagship Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre and through membership of the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, CRUK Cambridge Centre and Cambridge Haematological Malignancies Virtual Institute have access to outstanding core facilities for your research. The Cambridge Biomedical Campus is the largest biomedical research campus in Europe and offers unique opportunities for collaboration. Links with industry abound, with major biotech companies, including AstraZeneca, basing their operations here.

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

Applicants must have (or be close to obtaining) a PhD. 

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5, Point 38 £34,610) moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of your PhD award.

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.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

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