Overview
We are seeking an experienced and motivated researcher to work on a Cambridge‑GSK Translational Immunology Collaboration (CG‑TIC) project. CG‑TIC is a new translational initiative between Cambridge and GSK focused on renal and respiratory diseases. It will leverage the world‑class capabilities of Cambridge and GSK, targeting diseases of high unmet medical need, with the aim of delivering impact to patients while advancing the GSK pipeline, and supporting research in Cambridge.
The successful applicant will be part of the Respiratory Mechanisms of Disease theme and will join the research group of Professor James Nathan, based in the Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease (CITIID) on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, in collaboration with Professor Michal Minczuk at the MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit. You will also be part of the CG‑TIC and will join a growing team of researchers supporting this collaboration. The work will investigate how mitochondrial dysfunction and mtDNA damage drive innate immune activation and contribute to chronic inflammation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), using a primary human airway air‑liquid interface (ALI) platform. A central aim is to define how mitochondrial metabolic dysfunction shapes innate immune responses, and to identify the molecular mechanisms by which damaged mtDNA is sensed by the innate immune system. This programme is a close collaboration between the Nathan Laboratory and the Minczuk Group, combining expertise in mitochondrial metabolism and innate immunity with state‑of‑the‑art mitochondrial genome engineering tools, and is conducted in partnership with GSK.
Responsibilities
* Investigate the role of mitochondrial dysfunction and mtDNA damage in innate immune activation and chronic inflammation in COPD.
* Use primary human airway ALI models to assess mitochondrial function, mtDNA biology, and innate immune signalling pathways.
* Operate and maintain mitochondrial metabolism assays, genome editing and sequencing‑based methods.
* Collaborate with the Nathan Laboratory, the Minczuk Group, GSK and other CG‑TIC researchers to advance project aims.
* Produce high‑quality scientific outputs, including manuscripts and presentations at conferences.
Qualifications
* Strong background in mitochondrial biology, cell metabolism, or innate immunology.
* Hands‑on experience of primary human cell culture and quantitative molecular biology.
* Experience with approaches to assess mitochondrial function, mtDNA biology or innate immune signalling pathways.
* Familiarity with genomics or sequencing‑based methods.
* Collaborative outlook and ability to work effectively across a large academic‑industry partnership.
* Applicants must have (or be close to obtaining) a PhD.
Conditions & Benefits
* Fixed‑term position with funding available for 2 years in the first instance.
* Employment at Research Associate level upon receipt of PhD; prior to PhD award the post will be appointed as Research Assistant (Grade 5, Point 38 £34,610) with promotion to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of the award.
* Successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.
Equal Opportunity
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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