University of Cambridge
Research Assistant/Research Associate (Fixed Term)
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Post-doctoral Research Associate in Master Regulators of Nematode Parasitism
We invite applications for a post-doctoral research associate in master regulators of nematode parasitism to join the "E-biogenesis" project at the University of Cambridge, Department of Plant Sciences. The successful applicant will work in the brand new and vibrant Crop Science Centre: a flagship initiative designed to accelerate the transition to sustainable agriculture. The appointee will join the group of Prof. Sebastian Eves-van den Akker, a proudly international, diverse, and welcoming laboratory, starting on 1st October 2026.
About the Role
The research will be part of an exciting ERC research project in Food Security and Plant Pathology, entitled, "Effector Biogenesis: An unexplored, and yet critically important, part of plant-nematode interactions".
The rationale behind this project is that the ability of nematodes to cause disease depends on hundreds of "effectors": molecules delivered into the plant during infection. Blocking effectors blocks parasitism, however, blocking individual effectors is insufficient. Rather, we should attack the features that unite most effectors - their biogenesis machinery. Effectors must pass through a specialised secretory conduit to get into the plant. Surely, this "effector biogenesis conduit" is the Achilles heel of the nematode.
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Despite its fundamental importance, effector biogenesis was understudied due to technical intractability. With our recent discovery of master regulators of parasitism, we are looking for an exceptional individual to pursue further understanding of their biology.
Responsibilities
The successful applicant will work closely with other members of the E-biogenesis team and is expected to be involved in the training and supervision of students and other researchers within the wider group. They will participate in the dissemination of research through publications and oral presentations, both within the department and at conferences.
Requirements
Applicants must possess, or will soon be completing, a PhD in any appropriate area, together with excellent skills in scientific analysis, independent working and time management, and presentation skills. Applicants should be skilled in wet-lab techniques. An understanding of plant-parasitic nematology or pathology is necessary, as are good interpersonal skills and enthusiasm. Previous experience with transcriptional regulators of parasitism is required.
Informal Enquiries
Informal enquiries are welcomed, direct to Sebastian (se389@cam.ac.uk).
Application Information
As a signatory of the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment, the University of Cambridge does not use journal level metrics when assessing the quality of research outputs. Applicants should not include journal level metrics, such as the Journal Impact Factor, anywhere in their application materials. Applicants should highlight a select subset of what they consider to be their most important research outputs and provide a brief narrative account of their significance.
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If you have not received any response 1 month after the closing date you should consider your application to be unsuccessful.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 December 2027 in the first instance.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
If you have not received any response 1 month after the closing date you should consider your application to be unsuccessful.
Please quote reference PD50486 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
The University actively supports equality, diversity, and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
Eligibility
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
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