CG-TIC Postdoctoral Research Associate (Fixed Term)

We are seeking an experienced and motivated researcher to work on a Cambridge-GSK Translational Immunology Collaboration (CG-TIC) project. CG-TIC is a new translational initiative between Cambridge and GSK focused on renal and respiratory diseases. It will leverage the world-class capabilities of Cambridge and GSK, targeting diseases of high unmet medical need, with the aim of delivering impact to patients while advancing the GSK pipeline, and supporting research in Cambridge.

The successful applicant will be part of the Respiratory Mechanisms of Disease theme and will join the research group of Professor James Nathan, based in the Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease (CITIID) on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, in collaboration with Professor Michal Minczuk at the MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit. You will also be part of the CG-TIC and will join a growing team of researchers supporting this collaboration. The work will investigate how mitochondrial dysfunction and mtDNA damage drive innate immune activation and contribute to chronic inflammation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), using a primary human airway air-liquid interface (ALI) platform. A central aim is to define how mitochondrial metabolic dysfunction shapes innate immune responses, and to identify the molecular mechanisms by which damaged mtDNA is sensed by the innate immune system. This programme is a close collaboration between the Nathan Laboratory and the Minczuk Group, combining expertise in mitochondrial metabolism and innate immunity with state-of-the-art mitochondrial genome engineering tools, and is conducted in partnership with GSK.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in mitochondrial biology, cell metabolism, or innate immunology, with hands-on experience of primary human cell culture and quantitative molecular biology. Experience with approaches to assess mitochondrial function, mtDNA biology, or innate immune signalling pathways is highly desirable, as is familiarity with genomics or sequencing-based methods. A collaborative outlook and the ability to work effectively across a large academic-industry partnership, including with the Minczuk Group, GSK, and other CG-TIC researchers, will be essential to success in this role.

Informal enquiries regarding this position are welcomed: please contact Prof. James Nathan (jan33@cam.ac.uk).

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.

Applicants must have (or be close to obtaining) a PhD.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5, Point 38 £34,610) moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of your PhD award