Research Associate: Human Lung Disease Mechanisms (Fixed Term)

Research Associate: Human Lung Disease Mechanisms (Fixed Term) – Cambridge-GSK Translational Immunology Collaboration (CG-TIC). This is a joint role between the University of Cambridge and GSK, focused on kidney and respiratory diseases. The collaboration leverages Cambridge's capabilities to provide transformational impact for patients, aligned with GSK R&D priorities. The chosen candidates will work with Professor Emma Rawlins (Gurdon Institute) and Dr Jenny Dickens (Cambridge Institute for Medical Research).

These postdoctoral research associates will develop and interrogate complex stem cell–based respiratory models to investigate pathogenic mechanisms in pulmonary fibrosis. Work will involve prospective patient samples, spatial transcriptomic analysis of diseased tissue, and analysis of publicly available datasets. The research will explore the role of senescence in pulmonary fibrosis, with the research focus guided by initial results.

• Develop and interrogate complex stem cell–based respiratory models to investigate pathogenic mechanisms in pulmonary fibrosis.
• Utilize prospectively collected patient samples and perform spatial transcriptomic analysis of diseased tissue samples.
• Analyze publicly available datasets to support mechanistic insights.
• Investigate the role of cellular senescence in pulmonary fibrosis; research focus may be guided by early results.
• Collaborate across groups led by Professor Rawlins and Dr Dickens, and with other University researchers within the CG-TIC network.
• Contribute to interdisciplinary collaborations between basic scientists and clinician scientists.
• Engage with the project timeline, milestones, and reporting as required.

• PhD in cell or developmental biology (essential).
• Ideal experience in organoid culture and/or molecular biology.
• Previous experience with lung pathology and/or cellular senescence is advantageous.
• Bioinformatics support available; prior experience in bioinformatics would be advantageous.
• Strong collaborative mindset and enthusiasm for discovery within a diverse research environment.

• Locations: Cambridge Biomedical Campus (Cambridge Institute for Medical Research) and central Cambridge (Gurdon Institute).
• Roles based across the mentioned institutes; supervision by Professor Emma Rawlins and Dr Jenny Dickens, with collaboration across CG-TIC researchers.
• Flexible and family-friendly working arrangements; non-standard working patterns considered. This is advertised as full-time, but applications from candidates seeking less than full-time work will be considered.
• Only one application required for both posts; specify in your covering statement if you want consideration for only one institute.

• Fixed-term: Funds available until 30 August 2028 (in the first instance).

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