Research Associate (Fixed Term)

The Mennella research group at the University of Cambridge is focussed on investigating pathways that are regulated during airway cell differentiation and mucociliary clearance. These are key processes protecting the lung epithelial surface, when it is exposed to particulate matter, aerosols and infectious agents. We are a strong and diverse team of researchers spanning multiple scientific disciplines, including imaging, omics and AI based data analysis.

We are looking for a highly independent research associate with significant experience in airway or stem cell biology and primary cellular models to join our group for a collaborative project with Elizabeth McInnes, a toxicological pathologist at the agrochemical company Syngenta. The project will evaluate the potential mechanisms of cellular and molecular toxicity of plant protection products in the airway. The project will focus on developing New Alternative Methodologies (NAMs) to replace laboratory animal studies, to predict toxicity in plant protection products, using advanced imaging technologies (super-resolution microscopy and Volume EM) and omics tools (transcriptomics and proteomics).

The project offers an exciting opportunity to integrate airway molecular and cell biology methods with high-throughput imaging, sequencing and protein-protein interactions methods, to enable characterisation/obtain novel insights into multiprotein signalling complexes that regulate airway defence. We are particularly interested in candidates who are enthusiastic about combining screening with mechanistic followups. The ideal candidate will have track record of timely project delivery, strong communication skills and an excellent work ethic. Expertise in (high-throughput) fluorescence imaging and analysis of RNA sequencing data are particularly welcome.

The Mennella lab is based at the MRC Toxicology Unit, an internationally renown institution focussed on the delivery of field-changing mechanistic insights into toxicology and disease. The Unit is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including super resolution microscopy, a bioinformatics facility, mass spectrometry, advanced flow cytometry and offers excellent opportunities for postdoctoral development.

Applicants must hold a PhD in a relevant discipline such as molecular biology, cell biology and virology. The ability to work both independently and as part of a team, together with excellent communication and critical thinking skills are also essential.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 months with potential for follow up projects.

Interviews will be held in early January. Start date February, 2024.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact [email protected]

Further information can be found on our website: https://www.mrc-tox.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference PU39781 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.

Further information
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