Research Assistant (Fixed Term) x 2

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

The MRC Toxicology Unit at the University of Cambridge is seeking Research Assistants to join the Thaventhiran lab. This role offers a unique opportunity to gain research experience and contribute to significant projects in mRNA therapeutics and vaccine responses under the supervision of experienced researchers. The ideal candidates will be nearing completion of relevant degrees, possess hands-on experience in laboratory techniques, and excel in teamwork and communication.

Qualifications

• Relevant experience or degree in an appropriate field.
• Hands-on experience in animal handling.
• Experience in independent research projects is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support applications for higher degrees.
• Contribute to the completion of papers on therapeutics and vaccines.
• Work as part of a diverse interdisciplinary team.

Skills

Excellent communication

Organisational skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Undergraduate or Master's degree in Immunology, Biomedical Science, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology

Tools

Flow-cytometry

RNA/protein analytical techniques

Microscopy

Tissue culture

Job description

The MRC Toxicology Unit is looking to appoint one/two Research Assistants to join the Thaventhiran lab.

These positions are aimed at candidates seeking research experience to strengthen their higher degree applications. The positions will be directly supervised and mentored by post-doctoral researchers whose responsibility will include support for these applications. Your CV will be further enhanced by contributing to the completion of papers on modified mRNA therapeutics, cancer and infectious disease vaccines. The group has made significant contributions in the areas of mRNA therapeutics1, vaccine responses2, and measurements of immune responses3,4 and the ongoing projects will extend these discoveries.

Candidates will hold, or be close to completing, an undergraduate or Masters' degree in an appropriate field (e.g. Immunology, biomedical science, biochemistry, Molecular biology) and/or have relevant experience at an equivalent level, together with some hands-on experience in animal handling, flow-cytometry RNA/ protein analytical techniques, microscopy and tissue culture. You will be able to work both independently and as part of a team, have excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving skills and ideally have experience of working on an independent research project. Enthusiasm for working in a diverse inter-disciplinary team is desirable.

References

• Mulroney, T. E. et al. N(1)-methylpseudouridylation of mRNA causes +1 ribosomal frameshifting. Nature 625, 189-194, doi:10.1038/s41586-023-06800-3 (2024).
• Van der Klaauw, A. A. et al. Accelerated waning of the humoral response to COVID-19 vaccines in obesity. Nat Med, doi:10.1038/s41591-023-02343-2 (2023).
• Fischer, K. et al. Rapid discovery of monoclonal antibodies by microfluidics-enabled FACS of single pathogen-specific antibody-secreting cells. Nat Biotechnol, doi:10.1038/s41587-024-02346-5 (2024).
• Takahashi, M. et al. Intratumoral antigen signaling traps CD8(+) T cells to confine exhaustion to the tumor site. Sci Immunol 9, eade2094, doi:10.1126/sciimmunol.ade2094 (2024).
  
  

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 months in the first instance.

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

Interested candidates can email Dr. James E. Thaventhiran ([e-mail]) for informal enquiries.

If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact [e-mail]

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

Please quote reference PU46090 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

• PU46090 Research Assistant
  
  

Apply online