Post-doctoral Research Associate – NeuralNet Programme at University of Cambridge

Applications are invited for an enthusiastic post-doctoral scientist to join the NeuralNet Programme at The Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR). CIMR is a collaborative institute at the interface between fundamental research and the clinic, with a mission to determine the molecular mechanisms of disease in order to advance human health.

NeuralNet aims to carry out functional analysis of genomic variants identified in children with rare genetic neurological disorders, using a variety of approaches including CRISPR/Cas genome editing in an established inducible neuronal stem cell system. The goal is to provide new biological insights (e.g. identification of new disease genes, or establishing the functional significance of variants of unknown significance in known disease genes), but also establish proof of principle for a pipeline using cell biological analysis of variants to provide actionable data of benefit to patients.

The successful applicant will work flexibly on a small number of pilot projects all related to this overarching theme. While the position will be line managed by Professor Evan Reid, who is a cell biologist with an active clinical practice on rare genetic diseases, the projects will involve collaboration with multiple principal investigators within CIMR who are world experts in specific cellular pathways. It would ideally suit someone with relevant postdoctoral experience who is keen to use and develop a broad range of skills in cell biology, biochemistry and possibly structural biology and who is willing to work flexibly between two or three sub-projects. They should be a natural and enthusiastic collaborator, with excellent written and verbal communications skills, and outstanding organisational skills in order to meet deadlines across different work streams.

Applicants must have experience in molecular cell biology, a PhD in the biological, biochemical or biomedical sciences, with at least two additional years of relevant post-doctoral experience. They will have either published or have in preparation at least one first author primary peer- reviewed research article making a significant contribution in a relevant field. A background in cellular modelling of genetic disease using cell biological techniques would be very advantageous and experience in CRISPR-Cas genome editing would be strongly favoured.  Applicants should be proficient in light microscopy and basic biochemical assays such as immunoblotting. Training will be offered in other relevant techniques if required.

Papers relevant to this project are:

French CE et al. (2019) Whole genome sequencing reveals that genetic conditions are frequent in intensively ill children. Intensive Care Med. 2019;45(5):627-636. doi: 10.1007/s00134-019-05552-x. PMID: 30847515; PMCID: PMC6483967.

Rodger C et al. (2020) De Novo VPS4A Mutations Cause Multisystem Disease with Abnormal Neurodevelopment. Am J Hum Genet. 2020;107(6):1129-1148. doi: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2020.10.012. PMID: 33186545; PMCID: PMC7820634

The advert will close at midnight on Sunday 5th November 2023. Interviews are likely to take place in the w/c 13th November 2023.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance. 

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

Informal enquiries can be addressed to Professor Evan Reid, on ealr4@cam.ac.uk 

For enquiries about the recruitment process, please contact Charlotte Yelton, HR Supervisor on caay2@cam.ac.uk

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.