Research Assistant/Associate in Immunology (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge - Pathology

Location:	Cambridge
Salary:	£33,002 to £46,049
Hours:	Full Time
Contract Type:	Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 17th February 2026
Closes: 2nd March 2026
Job Ref: PK48823

Fixed-term: The post is available for two years in the first instance starting as soon as possible and subject to a 6-month probationary period.

Join our team as a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Immunology.
We are seeking a talented and motivated scientist to join our team, where we investigate how mononuclear phagocytes function within human tissues in both health and disease. Our research has a particular focus on the maternal-fetal interface and aims to uncover how immune cells regulate tissue development, support host defence and promote the resolution of inflammation.

This role offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of human immunology using cutting edge cellular, molecular and computational approaches.

About the McGovern Lab.
We study human mononuclear phagocytes, including dendritic cells, monocytes, and macrophages, with emphasis on their roles at the maternal-fetal interface. Our research integrates several approaches including proteomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, organoid models, spatial transcriptomics, primary human tissue-derived cell systems. Learn more about our work

About the role.
Your project will explore how cells communicate at the maternal-fetal interface and regulate one another's biology. You will work with trophoblast and endometrial organoid systems, iPSCs, primary macrophage cultures, and human transcriptomic datasets to answer fundamental questions in reproductive immunology.

Main duties:

• Generate macrophages from iPSCs.
• Establish and maintain organoid and macrophage culture systems.
• Design, implement, and analyse macrophage-organoid co cultures.
• Perform statistical analysis, data interpretation, and data visualisation.
• Apply and develop a range of laboratory techniques to address research objectives.
• Present findings in internal meetings and external conferences.
• Contribute to writing manuscripts and preparing research outputs.
• Participate in public engagement events.
• Support other team members.

Key responsibilities:

• Contribute significantly to shaping the scientific direction of the project.
• Plan and manage your own research objectives over 6 month cycles.
• Identify, develop, and optimise techniques needed to achieve project aims.
• Introduce innovative approaches where required.
• Ensure all research complies with institutional policies and legal guidelines.
• Contribute to efficient laboratory operations, including shared resource management and training.
• Engage in professional development through a tailored training programme.

Essential:

• Applicants must have a PhD or have submitted their PhD thesis by the start of appointment in immunology, cellular biology, or related field (or near completion).
• Experience with iPSCs and/or organoid systems.
• Track record of research productivity (e.g., publications).
• Strong written and oral scientific communication skills.

Why join us?

• Work on cutting edge human immunology with real clinical and biological impact.
• Collaborate with researchers in immunology, virology, microbiology and clinical sciences.
• Join a supportive, collaborative lab environment that prioritises mentoring and career development

How to apply

Please submit:

• A statement of interest/cover letter explaining your motivation for applying.
• Your CV.
• Contact details for two referees.

Appointment at the Research Associate level is dependent on the award of a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at the Research Assistant level, Grade 5 (£33,002- £35,608), which will be amended to Research Associate, Grade 7 (£37,694- £46,049) once the award of the PhD has been confirmed.

We particularly welcome applications from women and /or candidates from a BME background for this vacancy.

If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact: hr@path.cam.ac.uk