Research Associate (Fixed Term)

Location: West Cambridge

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

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position to start from 1 September 2026 or as soon as possible after this date. This project is funded by a grant from the BBSRC and aims to elucidate mechanisms of antiviral immunity and control in bats.

The main focus of the research will be to characterise variants of NLRP3, MyD88 and STING which are distinctly found in specific lineages of bats. Collaborating groups have reconstructed ancestral versions of these genes and identified lineage-specific residue substitutions of interest. Gene variants will be introduced by plasmid transfection, lentiviral transduction or CRISPR-mediated genome modification in human or bat cells.

Applicants should have a PhD in cell biology, biochemistry, evolutionary biology or a related discipline. Essential skills will be experience with cell culture and cloning. A good understanding of innate immunity and evolutionary bioinformatics would be an advantage. The candidate must value teamwork and collaboration, and have good administrative, interpersonal and presentational skills.

We are committed to a proactive approach to equality, which includes supporting and encouraging equally all groups of individuals, promoting an inclusive culture and valuing diversity.

Further particulars for the role and information about the Department www.vet.cam.ac.uk

Informal enquiries should be directed to Julie Ingham email ji217@cam.ac.uk

Applicants should submit a CHRIS/6, CV, covering letter outlining suitability for the role and contact details for two references. Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a covering letter in the Upload section of the online.

Interviews will be held week commencing 24^th August 2026.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please visit: www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/56281

Enquiries about the application process can be directed to hr.enquiries@vet.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference PP50380 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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