Postdoctoral Research Associate (Fixed Term)

at  University of Cambridge

HOST:PATHOGEN INTERACTIONS IN HUMAN CRITICAL ILLNESS

Applications are invited for an enthusiastic postdoctoral scientist to join a team investigating neutrophil responses to bacterial infections. The project is funded by an MRC Clinician Scientist grant and will focus neutrophil responses to microbial infections. Dr Conway Morris’s group are interested in how neutrophil antibacterial responses are impaired in sepsis (severe infections) and how this relates to outcomes in intensive care units. The project is based on recent findings concerning neutrophil function and maturity (JCI Insight. 2020 Aug 6;5(15):e137029) the impact this has on bacterial pneumonia (MedRxiv. 2024 https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.09.02.24312971.) This work will help with the development of immunomodulatory therapies for sepsis and critical illness.
The position will be held in a recently refurbished lab in the University Department of Medicine, Addenbrooke’s Hospital. The Department is well-resourced with full access to containment level 2 and 3 facilities, and access to flow cytometry, imaging, and sequencing.
Candidates should be highly motivated and have a PhD* in a relevant biological science. Ideally, the candidate will have experience working with human immune cells, particularly neutrophils. Experience in single-cell RNA sequencing, functional immune cell assays and/or flow cytometry would be advantageous. However, training will be provided as needed.
The ability to work both independently and as part of a team, coupled with excellent communication, organizational and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and an enthusiasm for scientific research, are required. The duties/responsibilities of this post include developing and driving research objectives, recording and analysing data to prepare research results for presentation/publication, mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, and delivering presentations at lab meetings and wider departmental seminars.
Where the successful applicant does not yet have a PhD awarded, they will normally be under-appointed as a Research Assistant in a Research Associate post (on the understanding that they will be appointed as a Research Associate upon successful completion of their PhD). The Research Associate salary should be backdated to the submission date of their thesis.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 26th August 2026. Continuation is subject to ongoing grant applications.
Specific queries may be directed to ac926@cam.ac.uk (Dr Conway Morris).

Please refer the Job description for details