Research Associate (Fixed Term)

The University of Cambridge wishes to appoint a post-doctoral scientist to join the research group of Professor Heike Laman in the Department of Pathology. We are searching for a highly motivated scientist to investigate ubiquitin biology and its role in sperm morphogenesis with the ultimate aim of understanding and treating male infertility.

Infertility is a common and complex medical issue affecting an estimated 1 in 7 couples worldwide, with male infertility contributing to about half of these cases. In 10-15% of infertile males, there is a complete absence of sperm production, and a high proportion of these cases are due to genetic abnormalities causing a maturation arrest in germ cell development. For these patients, prognosis is poor. We identified a mouse with a maturation arrest, in which males deficient for the Fbxo7 ubiquitin ligase, show a complete loss of developing germ cells during cellular remodelling. This unprecedented sterility phenotype in mice provides us a unique opportunity to study a precise stage where there is a profound morphological transformation, from a round cell to a mature sperm with a compacted head and a flagellum. Key project goals are to create mouse models with cell type-specific deletions of Fbxo7 to assess their phenotypes and to use proteomics approaches to investigate their ubiquitin profiles, proteasome functions and advanced imaging technologies to understand the cause of this failure to transform morphology.

Candidates must have a PhD in biological sciences, and a track record of research achievements. Knowledge of ubiquitin biology and spermatogenesis are essential. We seek collegiate applicants who are committed to fostering a positive and inclusive research culture.

Fixed-term: The post is available until 31 January 2027 in the first instance starting 01 April 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter and subject to a 6-month probationary period.

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV), a motivation letter detailing project and career development plans and include a publications list in the upload section of the online application. Please provide contact details, including an email address for two referees. At least one of your referees should be someone who is familiar with your work in your primary research field. If you upload any additional documents that have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

The Department of Pathology is a very active research and teaching department in the School of Biological Sciences. We offer modern laboratory spaces, flow cytometry, imaging, histology, proteomics and sequencing facilities in the centre of Cambridge. We host an external seminar series as well as internal talks, journal clubs, and a Departmental annual symposium. There are approximately 40 research groups spanning a wide array of disciplines, including infectious and genetic diseases, immunology and cancer biology. Additional information can be found at https://www.path.cam.ac.uk/research

We particularly welcome applications from women and /or candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our Department.

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

Informal enquiries and requests for further information are very welcome and should be addressed to Prof Heike Laman hl316@cam.ac.uk  If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact: hr@path.cam.ac.uk 

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

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