Research Assistant/Associate (Fixed Term)

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, organizational 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.

Please upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV; maximum 2 pages), a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) detailing project and career development plans, and a publications list in the upload section of the online application. Please provide contact details, including email addresses, of two referees, at least one of whom should be familiar with your research in your primary research field. If you upload any additional documents not requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

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.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above. 

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to: Prof Merrick at cjm48@cam.ac.uk. Queries regarding the application process, should be directed to HR: hr@path.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference PK51454 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.