Research Associate (Fixed Term)
Applications are invited to recruit an enthusiastic post-doctoral scientist to work on a project in the group of Prof Ravi Gupta. We employ an integrated approach, using biochemistry, cell biology, and use of viruses as tools to probe cellular pathways involved in macrophage cell cycle regulation. We are a virology lab and therefore also interested in persistence of viruses in cells such as macrophages.
Macrophages are key players in innate and adaptive immunity as well as tissue homeostasis. We discovered that these terminally differentiated cells can transition between cell cycle states without cell division. This is dependent on the canonical proliferation cascade involving MEK/ERK and leads to deactivation of the retroviral restriction factor SAMHD1. We have exciting new data to show that certain physiological triggers such as cell contact can drive this cell cycle progression.
The work will be pursued in the Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease (CITIID). This new building provides an exceptional and stimulating environment that promotes collaborative and interdisciplinary research, with state-of-the-art facilities, and is housed on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus alongside the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute.
Recent publications related to our approaches and this project include: Gupta et al. (2022) EMBO Journal, Mlcochova et al. (2021) Cell Reports, Mlcochova et al. (2018) EMBO Journal, Mlcochova et al. (2017) EMBO Journal
Relevant research experience in primary cell culture, innate immunity and virology is desirable. Candidates should have (or be about to receive) a PhD in a relevant discipline and have a capacity to apply initiative and creativity to solve biological problems.
Applicants will be expected to work closely and interactively with colleagues in different disciplines within the lab, and have good communications skills.
Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD, or an equivalent research doctorate. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once PhD has been awarded.
Informal enquiries can be sent to Prof Ravi Gupta (rkg20@cam.ac.uk) Website: https://www.citiid.cam.ac.uk/ravindra-gupta/
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.
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Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.
Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.
Closing Date: 21st June 2023
Interview Date: to be confirmed
Please quote reference RC36821 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
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