Overview
We have a short-term postdoctoral Research Associate position to study lipid-based mechanisms driving neurodegenerative diseases. This is a Wellcome Trust-funded post in the laboratory of Professor Janet Deane at the Cambridge Institute for Medical Research. Our laboratory uses a wide range of techniques to study how altered lipid metabolism drives changes in the cellular proteome causing neuronal pathologies.
Responsibilities
The role will involve supporting other team members and contributing to ongoing research on lipid metabolism and neuronal pathology. The post holder must possess a PhD in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or a relevant subject or have submitted or about to submit their PhD thesis. They must have a good track record of generating high-quality data for grant applications and towards first-author publications. The successful applicant will have considerable experience in cell biology, including complex cultures such as myelinating organoids and/or iPSC non-neuronal brain cell types such as astrocytes. Experience with cell-based models of neurodegenerative diseases would be highly advantageous. The candidate should have experience designing and developing functional assays to probe phenotypic changes in cells, such as multielectrode arrays for neurons and/or cytokine arrays. An appreciation of the importance of lipid metabolism for brain cell function is highly advantageous. The role involves collaborative work and clear communication of results in both formal and informal settings. Prior experience training postgraduate students in laboratory techniques would be highly advantageous. We encourage creative thinking when tackling scientific problems and are keen to appoint laboratory members with experience adopting new technologies and approaches when appropriate.
Qualifications
* PhD in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or a relevant subject (or submission/near submission).
* Strong track record of generating high-quality data for grant applications and first-author publications.
* Experience in cell biology with complex cultures (e.g., myelinating organoids and/or iPSC-derived brain cell types such as astrocytes).
* Experience with cell-based models of neurodegenerative diseases (highly advantageous).
* Experience designing/developing functional assays (e.g., multielectrode arrays, cytokine arrays).
* Appreciation of lipid metabolism in brain cell function (advantageous).
* Good interpersonal skills and ability to communicate work clearly; prior experience training postgraduate students is advantageous.
* Willingness to adopt new technologies and approaches as appropriate.
Application details
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until April 2026 in the first instance.
For informal enquiries please contact Professor Janet Deane at jed55@cam.ac.uk
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Applicants must have (or be close to obtaining) a PhD. Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant moving to Research Associate upon confirmation of the PhD award.
Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.
Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.
Closing date: 14th September 2025
Interview date: 23rd to 26th September 2025
For information about how your personal data is used as an applicant, please see the section on Applicant Data on the HR pages.
Please quote reference SD47111 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.
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