Research Associate (Fixed Term)
Research Associate (Fixed Term)
We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Post-doctoral Research Associate to join our team at the Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Heart & Lung Research Institute.
You will be part of a team led by Dr Tian Zhao, who studies the role of low-dose interleukin-2 (ld-IL-2) in activating and stimulating regulatory T cells (Tregs) in cardiovascular disease. We are a translational group working both in primary cells and human samples, including from clinical trials. This position is part BHF funded international collaboration grant working with both Zhao and (Ziad) Mallat Labs. Through the completion of several clinical trials, we have collected a wealth of clinical and mechanistic data, including scRNA-seq and scTCR-seq data of T cells from blood and atherosclerotic plaque. We are therefore keen to further understand the mechanism of action of ld-IL-2 on Tregs and in particular look to deploy technologies to improve the efficacy of IL-2 on Treg stimulation.
Key responsibilities
- The successful candidate will join our scientific programme investigating the effect of IL-2 on Tregs and how to improve the drug-cell interaction.
- Being responsible for the generation, analysis, and interpretation of experimental data, identifying issues and implementing necessary changes, to include bioinformatic skills to facilitate data analysis.
- Experience in drug modification or packaging to improve pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
- Experience in isolation and culture of primary cells.
- Experience in bioinformatic analysis of single-cell data would be an advantage.
- Regularly use the scientific literature and electronic information critically to enhance understanding of technology area and generate novel methods and testable hypotheses.
- Assist in the preparation of proposals and applications to external bodies, e.g. for funding and contractual purposes
- Manage national and international scientific collaborations, prepare and submit original manuscripts for peer reviewed publication.
- Day-to-day management of research assistants and students based within the lab, and assisting with supervision of doctoral students.
Informal enquiries are welcomed and can be directed to Dr Tian Zhao at txz20@cam.ac.uk.
Fixed Term: The funds for this position are available for 2 years in the first instance.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
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.
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.
Please quote reference RC49365 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
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.
Key information
Department/location
Salary
£37,694-£46,049
Reference
RC49365
Category
Date published
9 April 2026
Closing date
21 May 2026
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