Summary
The Deane and Rayner laboratories at the Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR) are seeking a highly skilled Postdoctoral Research Associate for a short-term, fixed-term position. This role is integral to an ongoing team project investigating the function of a multi-gene family expanded in the genomes of Plasmodium vivax and other neglected human malaria parasites. The successful candidate will focus on producing high-quality purified Tryptophan-rich antigen (TRAg) proteins for structural and functional studies, building on recent findings that established their lipid binding activity.
Designation
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Research Area
Molecular mechanisms of disease, specifically focusing on the function of multi-gene families in malaria parasites (e.g., Plasmodium vivax) and protein structural/functional studies.
Location
Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR), Cambridge Biomedical Campus, University of Cambridge, UK.
Eligibility/Qualification
Essential Skills and Experience:
- Demonstrable experience in protein expression using HEK293F-based mammalian expression systems.
- Proficiency in structure determination, including X-ray crystallography of protein-ligand complexes.
- Expertise in biophysical characterisation of protein interactions (e.g., biolayer interferometry or isothermal titration calorimetry).
- First-author peer-reviewed publications demonstrating the capacity to produce high-quality data.
Desirable Skills:
- Computational modelling of protein complexes and protein-ligand complexes.
- Experience with molecular biology approaches for cloning and mutagenesis of new expression constructs.
- An understanding of how pathogens hijack host-cell pathways.
Job Description
The Postdoctoral Research Associate will primarily focus on carrying out outstanding academic research as part of a collaborative team. Key responsibilities include:
- Producing high-quality purified TRAg proteins for structural and functional studies.
- Conducting experiments related to protein expression, structure determination, and biophysical characterisation.
- Contributing directly to collaborative papers and scientific publications.
- Exercising scientific judgment, innovation, and creativity within the project.
- Contributing to a positive team environment, including supporting and training colleagues where needed.
This is a full-time, fixed-term position available for 6 months from the start date.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please follow these steps:
- Click the ‘Apply’ button below to register an account with the University’s recruitment system (if you have not already).
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload a covering letter outlining how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role.
- Upload your CV.
- Include details of your referees (including email address and phone number), one of whom must be your most recent line manager.
Please quote reference SD51362 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
For informal enquiries, please contact Janet Deane at jed55@cam.ac.uk.
Last Date for Apply
8th November 2026
