Research Assistant/ Research Associate in Vivo Testing of Biological Grafts for Haemodialysis Vascular Access (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge - Department of Engineering, Central Cambridge

Placed On: 11th February 2026

Closes: 26th March 2026

Job Ref: NM48813

A position exists for a Research Assistant/Associate in the Department of Engineering to work on a 24-month Translational Award funded by the British Heart Foundation (BHF). The project focuses on developing next-generation, off-the-shelf biological grafts to replace synthetic haemodialysis grafts. The project will provide pilot data in a large animal model in a vascular access setting (artery-to-vein). The work will be carried out in collaboration with different departments across the University of Cambridge (Surgery, Medicine, Queen's Veterinary School, Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute), and Addenbrooke's and Royal Papworth Hospitals. BHF Translational Awards are milestone-driven grants.

The appointee will evaluate graft durability (wall material) and functionality (patency, neointima formation, re-endothelialisation, cell repopulation, immune and inflammatory response) following large animal studies.

The post holder will be located in Central Cambridge Cambridgeshire, UK.

The skills, qualifications and experience required to perform the role are:

• A PhD in biological sciences, regenerative medicine, tissue engineering or a related discipline.
• Over one year of experience in histological and immunohistological techniques including tissue processing, embedding, microtomy, antibody staining and image analysis.
• Expertise in imaging techniques such as fluorescence microscopy, confocal microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy.
• Knowledge and experience in one or more of the following: collagen processing & imaging, in vivo animal testing, in vivo imaging, understanding of vascular diseases and graft-host immune response.
• Excellent verbal and non-verbal communication skills including the ability to write concise and well-presented text in academic papers.
• Strong critical thinking skills.
• Self-motivated to achieve research objectives and ability to work effectively and independently as part of a multi-disciplinary team of engineers and clinicians.
• Commitment to a 'gold-standard' research culture
• Effectively presenting ideas and technical concepts to diverse audiences.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. 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 the PhD has been awarded.

Salary Ranges:

Research Assistant: GBP 33,002 - GBP 35,608;

Research Associate: GBP 37,694 - GBP 46,049

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 24 months in the first instance.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above.

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV), a covering letter and publication list in the Upload section of the online application. 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 submit your application by midnight on the closing date.

If you have any questions about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Athina Markaki (am253@cam.ac.uk) for queries of a technical nature related to the role or Tu Anh Do (div-c@eng.cam.ac.uk) for queries related to the application process.

Please quote reference NM48813 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.