Research Laboratory Technician (Fixed Term) at University of Cambridge

We have a new and unique position to join the laboratory of Prof Adrian Liston and Dr James Dooley as a Research Laboratory Technician within the Department of Pathology at the University of Cambridge (https://www.listonlab.uk/).

 The Role

You will join a project that is based on recent characterisation of T cells within the mouse and human brain. This population includes both conventional T cells, with pro-inflammatory potential, and regulatory T cells, with anti-inflammatory capacity. We recently developed a therapeutic that uses this pathway to protect mice against traumatic brain injury. This project will humanise the therapeutic for clinical translation, with a focus on the translational outcome.

You will support research that contributes to the optimisation of therapeutics for brain delivery to patients, as part of the commercialisation pathway for a recently developed neuroinflammation treatment.

The Team

You will join a dynamic and teamwork-focused laboratory, with ~15 laboratory members, spanning early career researchers to senior staff scientists.

The team is led by co-PIs Adrian Liston and James Dooley.

The laboratory is an inclusive, international and diverse team, supportive of your personal and career development. Embedded within the University of Cambridge, the team has access to cutting-edge facilities and resources.

You will gain training in laboratory support techniques, including working with experimental mice, running behavioural assays on mice, tissue processing, flow cytometry and general laboratory preparation.

The job will require animal experimentation and occasional flexibility in working hours. You will benefit from the collaborative and collegial environment of the laboratory, and potential career growth opportunities within the wider university, the laboratory and the developing spin-off company Aila Biotech (https://www.ailabiotech.com/).

About you

You are a willing and engaged learner, highly motivated to develop your own skill set and enthusiastic about working in a team. You have either a BSc/MPhil in immunology, neuroscience, or a related field, or experience in animal handling or basic laboratory experience.

Experience with animal handling, flow cytometry, and cell culture techniques are a plus, however you are not expected to enter with the full range of skills. A current PIL is a strong asset. Strong verbal communication skills, attention to detail, the ability to work under the direction of a team leader, and self-reflection during learning are highly desirable. A positive approach to kind and collaborative interactions with the team is essential.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for up to 2 years in the first instance.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.

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

The Department and University are committed to a fostering an inclusive and diverse environment in a workplace that values and supports mutual respect and equality.

For more information on the work of the Liston-Dooley group, please visit https://www.listonlab.uk/. For informal enquiries, or to find out specific details about available projects in the laboratory, please email James Dooley at jd2045@cam.ac.uk

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.