Research Assistant/Associate in Computational Immunology

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Cambridge seeks a Computational Scientist to join Prof. Christina Zielinski's group. The post focuses on single-cell immunology and regulation of tissue resident T cells across organs, using multimodal data and high-throughput cell technologies.

The role offers semi-independent work, opportunities for collaboration on diverse single-cell projects, and progression based on achievement and PhD status. Health assessment follows appointment.

Qualifications

• Computational scientists with experience in single-cell computational methods and immunology.
• Semi-independent work style and good communication skills required.
• Health assessment upon appointment; PhD required for higher level appointments.

Responsibilities

• Join Prof. Christina Zielinski's group to study regulation of human tissue resident T cells across organs.
• Analyze multi-omics single-cell data including scRNA-seq, TCR-seq, CITE-seq and spatial transcriptomics.
• Collaborate with team members and external partners; develop research objectives and prepare publications.

Skills

Single-cell analysis

Immunology background

Independent work

Education

PhD in Immunology/Computational biology

Tools

scRNA-seq

TCR-seq

CITE-seq

Spatial transcriptomics

Job description

Fixed-term: The post is available for two years in the first instance starting 01 December 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter and subject to a 6-month probationary period.

We are looking for Computational Scientists with experience in single-cell computational methods and immunology to join Prof. Christina Zielinski's group to unravel how the regulation of human tissue resident T cells across organs and to decode their tissue specific functions.

Using multimodal state-of-the-art single-cell technologies (scRNAseq, TCR-seq, CITE-seq, spatial transcriptomics), high-dimensional flow cytometry and other high-throughput cell culture technologies for the analysis of human tissues from multi-organ donors and from patients after allogeneic stem cell transplantation, we have generated data sets for our ERC-funded project ORGANise-T to leverage the dynamics by which different T cell types (etc. CD8, CD4, gd T cells, MAIT cells) adapt to distinct tissue microenvironments and compartmentalize across the human body (function, TCR-repertoires). The candidate will have the possibility to analyze additional transcriptomic data sets related to the regulation of T cells in health and disease in collaboration with other team members and external partners.

Overall, ORGANise-T will establish first-of-its-kind insights into the spatio-temporal dynamic organisation of human T cell immunity in tissues. This will bring the next generation of immunotherapies to the level of tissue selectivity.

The post is a unique opportunity for an enthusiastic immunologist or computational scientist with an aptitude for semi-independent work. It provides multiple opportunities for collaboration on other single-cell genomic projects.

The ability to work both independently and as part of a team, coupled with excellent communication, organizational and problem-solving skills is required. Other duties/responsibilities include developing and driving research objectives and writing up work for presentation and publication.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

Appointment at the Research Associate level is dependent on the award of a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at the Research Assistant level, Grade 5 (£34,610- £35,608), which will be amended to Research Associate, Grade 7 (£37,694- £46,049) once the award of the PhD has been confirmed.

We particularly welcome applications from women and /or candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our Department.

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.