Research Associate (Fixed Term)

Could incretin receptor agonists - drugs already transforming the treatment of obesity and diabetes - hold the key to repairing the brain in progressive multiple sclerosis?

This question is at the heart of a new collaborative research programme at the University of Cambridge. This post will be based across the laboratories of Professor Clémence Blouet (Institute of Metabolic Science) and Professor Ragnhildur Thóra Káradóttir (Cambridge Stem Cell Institute; Director of the MS Society Cambridge Centre for Myelin Repair), University of Cambridge.

The Cambridge Stem Cell Institute is an international centre of excellence for stem cell research and regenerative medicine, bringing together scientists to advance fundamental understanding and translation towards new therapies. The Institute of Metabolic Science is a multidisciplinary research environment focused on the mechanisms, prevention and treatment of metabolic disease, including diabetes and obesity, with strong links across the Cambridge Biomedical Campus.

We are recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to work on a collaborative research programme funded by Eli Lilly, investigating whether incretin receptor agonists, a class of drugs already transforming the treatment of obesity and diabetes, can promote remyelination and support brain repair in progressive multiple sclerosis.

The successful candidate will work across both laboratories to test whether long-acting incretin receptor agonists can promote remyelination, protect neurons, and generate a pro-regenerative environment for brain repair. The project will involve focal toxin-induced demyelinating lesion models in defined circuits, stereotaxic surgery and pharmacological interventions, in vivo electrophysiological recordings of neuronal activity, quantitative histology and imaging, ultrastructural analysis of remyelination, and mechanistic profiling including single-nucleus transcriptomics.

This is a unique opportunity to work at the interface of metabolic science and neuroscience in a highly collaborative and translational environment, with access to state-of-the-art facilities across the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, the MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, and the wider Cambridge Biomedical Campus. The project offers strong opportunities for training in multidisciplinary approaches, including in vivo neuroscience, myelin biology, electrophysiology, imaging, and single-cell genomics, as well as interaction with an industry partner.

Requirements:

Applicants should hold a PhD in neuroscience or a related discipline, or be close to completion. A strong background in in vivo rodent work, including stereotaxic surgery, is essential. Experience with histology, imaging, or electrophysiological techniques, particularly in vivo, would be advantageous. The successful candidate must be highly organised, able to work both independently and collaboratively, and have strong analytical and communication skills.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Candidates who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level (Grade 5), with reclassification to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon award.

Start date is flexible.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check, a health assessment and a security check.

Informal enquiries are welcome via email to Professor Clémence Blouet (cb725@medschl.cam.ac.uk) or Professor Ragnhildur Thóra Káradóttir (rk385@cam.ac.uk).

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and a 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.

The closing date for applications is: 31st May 2026

The interview date for the role is: 10-12th June 2026

Please quote reference PS49626 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.

Apply online

Key information

Department/location

Cambridge Stem Cell Institute (SBS)

Salary

£37,694-£46,049

Reference

PS49626

Category

Research