"Research Associate [Temporary Cover]"

University of Cambridge - Department of Veterinary Medicine

Location: Cambridge

Salary: £37,694 to £46,049 per annum

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 5th January 2026

Closes: 31st January 2026

Job Ref: PP48335

Temporary cover: This post is fixed-term for 1 years or the return of the post holder, whichever is the earlier.

Applications are invited for this postdoctoral position, funded by BBSRC, on a project aiming to i) obtain a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying survival of Campylobacter jejuni in the food chain, and ii) explore interventions that limit the survival of C. jejuni in the food chain.

The focus of the research at the University of Cambridge, led by Dr Andrew Grant, is to carry out detailed genomic and functional genomic studies to identify the mechanisms required by C. jejuni to survive and grow in different environments and the food-chain. The project supports the Institutional Strategic Programme for the Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich.

We will use our comprehensive transposon mutant libraries in different C. jejuni strains to perform TraDIS, combined with RNAseq to investigate the genes required to survive different stresses and combinations of stresses and to survive in mixed-species biofilms exposed to different food chain stresses.

We will complement the studies by investigating individual genes through the generation of defined deletion mutants and complemented mutants. In addition, we will use TraDIS and imaging to investigate Campylobacter survival and morphology changes when the bacteria are exposed to different biocides and antibacterial agents.

Applicants should have a PhD, in Bacteriology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology or a related discipline, and should have practical laboratory-based experience in the field of bacterial infectious disease research, preferably with Campylobacter spp. Expertise in molecular biology is required and experience of transposon mutagenesis in vitro screens (TraDIS/TnSeq) and next generation sequencing is highly desirable. The candidate must value teamwork and collaboration, have good administrative and interpersonal skills, and high computer literacy especially in relation to the analysis of DNA sequences and the use of bioinformatics software.

We are committed to a proactive approach to equality, which includes supporting and encouraging equally all groups of individuals, promoting an inclusive culture and valuing diversity.

Further particulars for the role and information about the Department can be accessed at www.vet.cam.ac.uk

Informal enquiries should be directed to Julie Ingham (ji217@cam.ac.uk)

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

Enquiries about the application process can be directed to hr.enquiries@vet.cam.ac.uk

Applicants should submit a CHRIS/6, CV, covering letter outlining suitability for the role and contact details for two references. Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a covering letter 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.

Closing date for applications is 31 January 2026 Interviews will be held on 4 March 2026

Please quote reference PP48335 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.