University of Cambridge
Research Assistant (Fixed Term)
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Research Assistant Position
About the Role
A Research Assistant position is available in the group of Prof. Gabriel Balmus at the UK Dementia Research Institute (UKDRI), Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge. The project applies prime editing-based functional screening to the biology of MSH3, the leading genetic modifier of somatic CAG repeat expansion, with the goal of identifying therapeutic strategies for Huntington's disease (HD) and other repeat expansion disorders. The post-holder will map how MSH3 sequence variation, protein levels, and partner interactions determine repeat instability at the expanded HTT locus in disease-relevant human cellular models.
Project Overview
Somatic expansion of the CAG tract in HTT is now recognised as a principal driver of age at onset and disease progression, and human genetic modifier studies converge on the mismatch repair machinery - MSH3, FAN1, MLH1, PMS1 and LIG1 - as the pathway that sets the pace of expansion. MSH3 is a particularly compelling target: loss-of-function alleles are tolerated in humans yet strongly suppress expansion, providing rare pre-validated genetic support for therapeutic modulation. Substantial gaps remain, however, in defining which residues, domains and protein-protein interfaces are required for MSH3-driven instability, and which are dispensable. The project aims to resolve this by combining saturation prime editing across the MSH3 coding sequence with quantitative measurement of repeat dynamics and DNA repair activity at the endogenous expanded locus.
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Key Responsibilities
- Conduct medium- to high-throughput screens to identify agents that suppress somatic expansion or phenocopy MSH3 loss.
- Characterise validated hits mechanistically to support therapeutic target prioritisation, integrating functional genomics with translational screening in patient-derived iPSC and neuronal models.
- Manage experimental programme, contribute to laboratory operations and compliance, and generate data suitable for publication and progress reporting.
Qualifications and Skills
- BSc in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, or a related discipline (PhD not required).
- Strong practical background in cell and molecular biology, including PCR/qPCR, Western blotting, DNA/RNA/protein extraction, and basic cloning.
- Proficiency in mammalian tissue culture.
- Experience with CRISPR-based workflows, including gRNA or pegRNA design, lentiviral transduction, and functional screening.
- Hands-on experience of human iPSC culture under feeder-free conditions is highly desirable.
- Experience with repeat instability or DNA repair assays would be advantageous.
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Application Process
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
To learn more about Balmus Lab please visit: www.balmuslab.org
For further enquiries please contact: gb318@cam.ac.uk
Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.
Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.
Important Dates
- Closing Date: 6th September 2026
- Interview Date: to be confirmed
Please quote reference RR50829 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.
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