Research Assistant (Fixed Term)

UK Dementia Research Institute

A Research Assistant position is available in the group of Prof. Gabriel Balmus at the UK Dementia Research Institute (UKDRI), University of Cambridge. The successful candidate will join a dynamic research programme investigating molecular and cellular mechanisms that govern neuronal vulnerability and survival in the context of neurodegeneration, inflammation, and genome stability.

The project focuses on understanding how cell-intrinsic and extrinsic stress pathways, including inflammatory and DNA damage associated signals, influence neuronal fate. A central aim is to use genetic and chemical perturbation approaches, including CRISPR-based gene targeting and functional CRISPR screens, to identify regulatory networks and actionable pathways that modulate neuronal resilience or degeneration. The work will integrate cellular, molecular, histological, and genetic approaches, with the goal of informing therapeutic target discovery and disease-relevant cellular stratification.

The post-holder will contribute to experimental studies involving human stem cell derived neuronal systems, genome engineering, and pathway interrogation. They will play an active role in generating and analysing high-quality data and in optimising and implementing new experimental workflows.

Candidates should have a strong background in cell and molecular biology, with experience in techniques such as PCR, qPCR, cloning, DNA/RNA/protein extraction, gel electrophoresis, and western blotting. Experience with plasmid and primer design is highly desirable. Familiarity with sterile tissue culture is essential, as the role will involve maintaining and differentiating human iPSC or mouse ES cell lines. Experience with cell banking, handling human samples, and knowledge of relevant ethical and legislative frameworks is advantageous.

Experience with histological and imaging-based techniques, including immunohistochemistry, H&E staining, in situ hybridisation, and light or confocal microscopy, will be beneficial for integrating cellular and tissue-level analyses.

Applicants must hold a BSc degree in Science, Biomedical Science, Biochemistry, Genetics, Biology or a related discipline. The role requires excellent organisational skills, accurate record-keeping and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. The post-holder will support laboratory operations, including maintaining laboratory stocks and consumables, assisting with ordering processes and contributing to safety and compliance workflows. They will also participate in developing and optimising experimental protocols, introducing new methods where necessary and generating high-quality data for progress reports and publications. They will be expected to support multidisciplinary research teams.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 1 years in the first instance.

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

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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