Postdoctoral Research Associate (Fixed Term) x2

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Cambridge invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Williams-Gray Lab on a 24-month project investigating STING as a therapeutic target in Parkinson's disease. The role combines clinical and lab science to map STING-driven inflammation using patient-derived cells and high-dimensional profiling.

The successful candidate will lead experiments, analyze complex data, and contribute to a translational research program aiming to identify new treatment

Qualifications

• PhD in biomedical science/neuroscience with translational research interest.
• Experience in cell culture and experimental biology (ideally including cell stimulation assays in human PBMCs).
• Experience with flow cytometry and high-dimensional molecular profiling.
• Ability to design and deliver experiments and analyze complex datasets.

Responsibilities

• Lead experiments to understand STING-driven inflammation in Parkinson's.
• Map inflammatory signatures and assess responses to STING inhibition.
• Design and deliver experiments; analyze and interpret complex datasets.
• Collaborate within translational neurodegeneration projects.

Skills

Cell culture

Flow cytometry

Proteomics

Transcriptomics

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Education

PhD in biomedical science/neuroscience

Tools

Flow cytometry

High-dimensional molecular profiling

Proteomic profiling

Job description

Applications are invited for an enthusiastic and motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Williams-Gray Lab for a 24-month fixed-term position, contributing to an exciting project investigating STING (Stimulator of Interferon Genes) as a potential therapeutic target for Parkinson's disease. The Williams-Gray lab works at the interface of clinical and laboratory science, aiming to better understand the role of the immune system in Parkinson's, with the goal of advancing the development disease-modifying treatments. The project will be run in collaboration with the Alborada Drug Discovery Institute, which aims to accelerate the discovery of novel therapeutics for neurogenerative disorders.

The successful candidate will lead experimental research aimed at understanding the role of STING-driven inflammation in Parkinson's disease and determining its potential as a target for disease modification. Working with patient-derived monocytes, the postholder will use cellular, proteomic and transcriptomic approaches to map inflammatory signatures associated with STING activation and assess responses to STING inhibition across different stages and clinical phenotypes of Parkinson's disease.

The postholder will take a leading role in designing and delivering experiments, analysing and interpreting complex datasets, and contributing to the development of the wider research programme. The work will provide an opportunity to combine mechanistic cellular biology with patient-derived models and high-dimensional molecular profiling, with the ultimate aim of identifying new approaches to stratification and treatment in Parkinson's. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career postdoctoral researcher to develop an interdisciplinary research profile at the interface of neurodegeneration, immunology and translational medicine, while working within a collaborative research environment.

We are seeking an early career researcher with a PhD in biomedical science/neuroscience and a strong interest in translational research in Parkinson's disease or neurodegeneration. Candidates should have practical experience in cell culture and experimental biology (ideally including cell stimulation assays in human PBMCs) as well as flow cytometry. Experience in proteomic profiling, transcriptomic approaches, and analysis of complex biological datasets is highly desirable. Good organisational, analytical and communication skills, together with enthusiasm for developing as an independent researcher, are essential.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. This appointment also requires a Research Passport application.

For questions relating to the post, please contact Caroline Williams-Gray at [e-mail]

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

Closing Date: 27th September 2026

Interview Date: to be confirmed

Please quote reference RR50983 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.