Research Assistant/Research Associate in Placental Biology

Research Assistant/Research Associate in Placental Biology

University of Cambridge - Department of Pathology

Cambridge, United Kingdom

The McGovern and Aiken labs are seeking a talented and motivated Postdoctoral Research Assistant /Associate in placental biology to join our teams. Our research aims to understand host-pathogen interactions at the maternal-fetal interface and factors mediating placental development and function.

About the role:

Your project will aim to develop human trophoblast culture systems. You will generate and characterise trophoblast culture systems from first trimester and term placentas. You will use these models to understand how placental cells respond to infection and certain drugs, and how these responses change across gestation. You will use a range of techniques including confocal microscopy, bioinformatics and infection assays in CL2 facilities.

Main duties:

• Generate, maintain and characterise organoid and macrophage culture systems;
• Design, implementation, and application of infection and drug assays;
• Statistical analysis and data visualisation;
• To identify, develop and apply a broad range of techniques to pursue the research objectives;
• To present scientific work at seminars within the laboratory and at external meetings;
• To contribute to laboratory-wide discussions on developments within the field;
• To draft scientific papers and contribute to the overall preparation of research for publication;
• To contribute to public engagement events;
• To assist in the training of PhD students and other members of the team.

You will have:

• A PhD in immunology or cellular biology, or near completion;
• Experience with 'omics data sets;
• A proven track record of research (e.g., publication record);
• Strong written and oral communication skills;
• Experience working with advanced tissue culture systems, e.g. organoids;
• Ability to work as part of a team.

Please note, applicants who are close to PhD submission are welcome to apply. Without PhD submission, appointment would be made at Grade 5 Research Assistant until submission.

Desirable:

• Experience in working with infection assays such as HCMV or Listeria monocytogenes.

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