Research Associate (Fixed Term)

We have a postdoctoral position available to study host-pathogen interactions and innate immune recognition in the group of Prof. Yorgo Modis in the University of Cambridge Department of Medicine. The Modis group is part of the Molecular Immunity Unit within the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (MRC-LMB). We benefit from the outstanding scientific environment and infrastructure of the MRC-LMB, and from being part of the virology and immunology communities as members of the Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology & Infectious Disease (CITIID).

The Modis group employs cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), X-ray crystallography, fluorescence microscopy, biochemical assays, and cell biological approaches to understand host-pathogen interactions. The group's overall goal is to obtain a mechanistic understanding of the host pathogen interface in atomic level detail. The key focus for this role will be to study key innate immune signaling complexes using state-of-the-art cryo-EM tomography (cryo-ET) image reconstruction approaches.

We seek a highly motivated research scientist with a PhD in the biological, biochemical or biomedical sciences, and relevant research experience in cryo-EM sample preparation, data collection, and image reconstruction. Candidates must have one or more first-author research article(s) published in a peer-reviewed journal or under review with a preprint available. Experience in eukaryotic expression systems, cell-based assays, immunofluorescence microscopy and bioinformatics is desirable.

Candidates in the process of submitting their PhD thesis or awaiting degree conferral will be considered. In this case, appointment would be at the level of Research Assistant, Grade 5. On receipt of PhD award, the appointee would move to Grade 7, Research Associate.

To apply for this vacancy, you need upload two CVs (Curriculum Vitae) in different formats: a Narrative CV and your standard CV (full details in the Further Particulars).

In addition, this vacancy is being studied as part of the Action Research on Research Culture project (ARRC) https://www.arrc.group.cam.ac.uk/

The ARRC team are investigating the effects of CV format on shortlisting. If you consent to take part in the study the ARRC team will use information from the shortlisting process to understand the impact of different CV formats. The recruiting academic will not be told whether you have joined the study so your choice about whether to take part in the study cannot influence the decision on who to appoint. Further details can be found in the 'Further particulars' document. If you have questions about the ARRC project, please contact: [email protected]

If you have any questions about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Yorgo Modis via email [email protected]

The position is available until November 1st 2025 in the first instance, with possibility of renewal, and is funded by the Wellcome Trust

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To apply for this vacancy, you need upload two CVs (Curriculum Vitae) in different formats: a Narrative CV and your standard CV (full details in the Further Particulars).

The closing date for applications is: 1st April 2024

The interview date for the role is: To be confirmed

Please quote reference RC40726 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.

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