Research Assistant/Associate in Malaria Parasite Biology

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Cambridge invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in malaria parasite biology. The role is a fixed-term 20-month position beginning January 2027, funded by a BBSRC Pioneer grant within the Cambridge Pathology Department.

The appointee will work on malaria parasite biology using cutting-edge molecular genetics, transcriptomics, biochemistry, and cell biology in cultured Plasmodium parasites.

Qualifications

• PhD or near completion in parasitology, molecular biology or biochemistry
• Experience in cell culture and molecular genetics is required
• Publications in peer-reviewed journals demonstrate relevant experience

Responsibilities

• Develop and drive the research objectives for the malaria parasite project
• Prepare work for presentation, publication and follow-on funding applications
• Collaborate within a team and communicate effectively

Skills

Cell culture

Molecular genetics

Parasitology

RNA-seq data analysis

Education

PhD in parasitology, molecular biology or biochemistry

Tools

RNA-seq data analysis tools

Job description

Fixed-term: The post is available for 20 months in the first instance starting in January 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter, and is subject to a 6-month probationary period.

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in malaria parasite biology. The position is initially funded for a 20-month term, via a BBSRC Pioneer grant held in the laboratory of Professor Catherine Merrick (Division of Microbiology and Parasitology, Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge). Pioneer grants aim to support high-risk/high-gain discovery research: this project will investigate the biology of a novel virus recently discovered in malaria parasites. It will use a range of cutting-edge techniques in molecular genetics, transcriptomics, biochemistry and cell biology in cultured Plasmodium parasites. It is hoped that the initial proof-of-concept work will lead to further grant applications, and hence to potential extension of this project.

Applicants should hold (or be close to completing) a PhD in parasitology, molecular biology or biochemistry, with skills in cell culture and molecular genetics.

Specific experience in any or all of the following techniques is highly desirable:

• Plasmodium culture and Plasmodium molecular genetics, particularly in P. knowlesi or P. falciparum
• Protein biochemistry
• RNA-seq and transcriptomic data analysis

Relevant experience should be demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals.

The role requires the ability to work both independently and within a team, plus excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving skills. Other responsibilities will include developing and driving the research objectives and preparing the work for presentation, publication and follow-on funding applications.

The appointee will benefit from excellent facilities, including recently-refurbished Category-3 containment laboratories, and diverse expertise at the Cambridge Pathology Department, which hosts four parasitology research groups focused on malaria and leishmania.

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 (£35,302-£36,320), which will be amended to Research Associate, Grade 7 (£38,448-£46,970) once the award of the PhD has been confirmed.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to: Prof Merrick at [e-mail]. Queries regarding the application process, should be directed to HR: [e-mail]

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.