Research Assistant (Fixed Term)

We are inviting applications for a talented and hard-working Research Assistant to contribute to an exciting Medical Research Council funded translational project with Respiratory Clinician Scientist Dr Akhilesh Jha (https://www.hlri.cam.ac.uk/staff/dr-akhilesh-jha) in collaboration with Professor Clare Bryant (https://www.hlri.cam.ac.uk/staff/professor-clare-bryant)

The research project titled "Mechanisms of inflammatory memory in the human respiratory mucosa" will seek to develop unique and innovative human experimental medicine inhaled challenge models for investigating the molecular drivers of immune responses in the lungs of healthy individuals and those with asthma. Further information on the project is available via the UKRI Gateway to Research website: https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=MR%2FY000935%2F1 

Recent projects related to the background for this study include: Jha et al, Immunther Adv 2025 (PMID 40201213); Jha et al, JACI 2021 (PMID 32717253); Progatzky, Jha et al, JACI 2019 (PMID 31002833); Jha et al, ERJ, 2019 (PMID 31391224).

The project will seek to characterise cellular responses and epigenetic changes that occur in vivo in humans after immune challenge with the Toll-Like Receptor (TLR) agonists and in vitro using primary epithelial cells, as well as co-culture with immune cells such as macrophages. The aim of the research is to develop novel approaches for treating airway inflammation.

The work will involve the handling, processing and storing human samples including sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage, respiratory mucosal tissue, epithelial cells and blood. A range of experimental techniques involving primary cell culture including at Air-Liquid Interface (ALI), ELISA, Flow cytometry and preparatory steps for advanced molecular biology tools such as single-cell RNA seq, ATAC-seq and spatial transcriptomics.

The position is particularly suited to applicants with experience of handling human samples, molecular biology approaches and tissue culture. They will also contribute to and gain experience in aspects of clinical trials management and will receive training in Good Clinical Practice (GCP) as required (https://www.nihr.ac.uk/career-development/clinical-research-courses-and-support/good-clinical-practice) Candidates are expected to have a BSc or equivalent degree. 

The position will be based in the Heart and Lung Research Institute (HLRI) (https://www.hlri.cam.ac.uk/) at the core of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus as well as in the NIHR Cambridge Clinical Research Facility (https://www.cambridgecrf.nihr.ac.uk/) based in Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Applicants will be expected to work collaboratively and flexibly with colleagues and contribute to a positive, friendly and dynamic research environment. 

Fixed Term: Funding is available for this position until 27th August 2028. 

Informal enquiries are welcome and can be sent to Dr Akhilesh Jha (aj580@cam.ac.uk).

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment. This appointment also requires a Research Passport application.

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.

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.

Advert information