Research Assistant / Associate (Fixed Term)

Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution is seeking a Research Assistant/Associate to work on a project investigating the crosstalk between microglia and neurons in relation to HIV central nervous system infection. Ideal candidates should hold a PhD or be near submission with a strong background in molecular virology and cellular biology. Experience in human cell culture, particularly with neuronal cells, and the ability to work both independently and in a team are essential. A salary range of £33,002 to £46,049 is provided depending on qualifications.

Qualifications

• Experience in human cell culture, specifically neuronal and primary cells.
• Track record in molecular biology, proteomics, assay development.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on microglia and neurons related to HIV.
• Develop and drive research objectives.
• Write up work for presentation and publication.

Skills

Molecular virology

Cellular biology research

Human cell culture

Excellent communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

PhD or near submission

Tools

BSL3 laboratory experience

Imaging techniques

Job description

# Research Assistant / Associate (Fixed Term)Fixed-term: The post is available for 10 months in the first instance starting from the 01 February 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter and subject to a 6-month probationary period.A post-doctoral position funded by the Wellcome trust is available in the Division of Virology working within the laboratory of Dr Dami Collier, to undertake a research project investigating the crosstalk between microglia and neurons to uncover mechanisms underpinning neuronal damage and repair in HIV central nervous system infection.Candidates should have a PhD or near submission and a track record of success in molecular virology and cellular biology research. Significant experience in human cell culture particularly neuronal cell lines and primary cells- Tcells and macrophages, molecular biology, proteomics, assay development and optimization and and design techniques for imaging is required. Experience in working in BSL3 would be an advantage.The ability to work both independently and as part of a team, coupled with excellent communication, organizational and problem-solving skills is required. Other duties/responsibilities include developing and driving research objectives and writing up work for presentation and publication. For more information about the laboratory please visit:Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV), a covering letter and include a publications list in the upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents that have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.Appointment at the Research Associate level is dependent on the award of a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at the Research Assistant level, Grade 5 (£33,002-£35,608), which will be amended to Research Associate, Grade 7 (£37,694-£46,049) once the award of the PhD has been confirmed.We particularly welcome applications from women and /or candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our Department.Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.Informal enquiries and requests for further information are very welcome and should be addressed to Dr D. Collier [e-mail] If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact: [e-mail] quote reference PK47996 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.### Department/location### Salary£33,002-£46,049### ReferencePK47996### Category### Date published12 December 2025### Closing date9 January 2026