Principal Research Associate/Director of Research: Programme Lead, Centre for Pandemic Risk Man[...]

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 82,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Cambridge invites applications for a Programme Lead for the Engineered Pandemics Risk Management Programme. This role, offered at Principal Research Associate or Director of Research level, focuses on interdisciplinary research related to pandemic risk management, requiring strong academic credentials and leadership skills.

Qualifications

• Strong academic standing in biological sciences or related fields.
• Experience in leading research projects and interdisciplinary teams.
• Proven track record of securing research funding.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Engineered Pandemics Risk Management Programme.
• Develop ideas for funding and establish sustainable collaborations.
• Coordinate research activities and supervise research students.

Skills

Interdisciplinary research

Leadership

Project development

Education

PhD or equivalent in relevant field

Job description

Applications are invited for a Programme Lead for the Engineered Pandemics Risk Management Programme in the Centre for Pandemic Risk Management, at the level of either Principal Research Associate (Grade 11), or Director of Research role (Grade 12). This role is offered on a part-time, fixed-term basis for two-years' in the first instance. We welcome applications from those who would like to take up the role as an internal or external secondment from their substantive position, with buy-out for academics working for Higher Education (HE) institutions.

The Engineered Pandemics Risk Management Programme, the first programme of the Centre for Pandemic Risk Management, brings together an interdisciplinary team of scientists, social scientists and public policy researchers to build the capability of the UK's engineered pandemic risk policy and practice. This role invites applications that clearly demonstrate a mutual benefit to both the role-holder and the Engineered Pandemics Risk Management Programme, which is focused on building an underpinning interdisciplinary understanding of the biological dimensions of pandemics. The role-holder would be expected to lead elements of the programme that will build an underpinning interdisciplinary understanding of the biological dimensions of pandemics. Topics of interest include pathogen evolution, zoonotic pathogen biology, disease pathogenesis, immunological determinants of susceptibility, disease modelling, pharmaceutical intervention and vaccine design studying "pathogen X" rather than focussing on any one specific pathogen. The programme has fully funded research positions, PhD students and summer students. The Programme Lead will be expected to help lead the programme and develop ideas for funding, establishing the foundations for a long-term, sustainable collaboration.

Given the transdisciplinary nature of the team developing this programme, the role will primarily be based in CRASSH (the Centre for Research in Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities).

Appointments to this role with either be made at Principal Research Associate or Director of Research level. We will identify the appropriate grade for appointment based on the skills, experience and academic standing in the field, of the successful candidate. Additional information can be found in the Further Information document, which is available via the link below.

In order for your application to be considered, please upload the following:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Covering letter (maximum two pages)
• One-page selected research publication list starring the two outputs most relevant to your application
• A research proposal of no more than 1000 words, outlining a project you would propose to undertake, in line with the aims of the programme

The closing date for applications is midnight (BST) on Sunday 15 June 2025. Interviews are planned for the first week of July, subject to confirmation and change, with a start date is as soon as possible after interview.

If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact Prof Clare Bryant ([e-mail]).

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above.

Please quote reference VM46066 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.

£81,787 per annum, pro rata