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- Tasks: Join the Thaventhiran lab as a Research Assistant, contributing to cutting-edge mRNA research.
- Company: The MRC Toxicology Unit is a leader in innovative biomedical research.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and enhance your CV while working on impactful projects.
- Why this job: Perfect for aspiring researchers wanting to make a difference in health science and gain valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Must be nearing completion of an undergraduate or Masters' degree in relevant fields with some lab experience.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term position for 12 months, ideal for those looking to strengthen their higher degree applications.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
The MRC Toxicology Unit is looking to appoint one/two Research Assistants to join the Thaventhiran lab. These positions are aimed at candidates seeking research experience to strengthen their higher degree applications. The positions will be directly supervised and mentored by post-doctoral researchers whose responsibility will include support for these applications. Your CV will be further enhanced by contributing to the completion of papers on modified mRNA therapeutics, cancer and infectious disease vaccines. The group has made significant contributions in the areas of mRNA therapeutics1, vaccine responses2, and measurements of immune responses3,4 and the ongoing projects will extend these discoveries. Candidates will hold, or be close to completing, an undergraduate or Masters\’ degree in an appropriate field (e.g. Immunology, biomedical science, biochemistry, Molecular biology) and/or have relevant experience at an equivalent level, together with some hands-on experience in animal handling, flow-cytometry RNA/ protein analytical techniques, microscopy and tissue culture. You will be able to work both independently and as part of a team, have excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving skills and ideally have experience of working on an independent research project. Enthusiasm for working in a diverse inter-disciplinary team is desirable. References Mulroney, T. E. et al. N(1)-methylpseudouridylation of mRNA causes +1 ribosomal frameshifting. Nature 625, 189-194, doi:10.1038/s41586-023-06800-3 (2024). Van der Klaauw, A. A. et al. Accelerated waning of the humoral response to COVID-19 vaccines in obesity. Nat Med, doi:10.1038/s41591-023-02343-2 (2023). Fischer, K. et al. Rapid discovery of monoclonal antibodies by microfluidics-enabled FACS of single pathogen-specific antibody-secreting cells. Nat Biotechnol, doi:10.1038/s41587-024-02346-5 (2024). Takahashi, M. et al. Intratumoral antigen signaling traps CD8(+) T cells to confine exhaustion to the tumor site. Sci Immunol 9, eade2094, doi:10.1126/sciimmunol.ade2094 (2024). Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 months 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. Interested candidates can email Dr. James E. Thaventhiran (jedt2@cam.ac.uk) for informal enquiries. If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact hradmin@mrc-tox.cam.ac.uk Further information can be found on our website: https://www.mrc-tox.cam.ac.uk Please quote reference PU46090 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. Further information PU46090 Research Assistant Apply online #J-18808-Ljbffr
Research Assistant (Fixed Term) x 2 employer: University of Cambridge
Contact Detail:
University of Cambridge Recruiting Team
jedt2@cam.ac.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant (Fixed Term) x 2
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest research in mRNA therapeutics and vaccine responses. This will not only help you understand the lab's work better but also allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Reach out to current or former members of the Thaventhiran lab via professional networking sites like LinkedIn. They can provide insights into the lab culture and expectations, which can be invaluable for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience with techniques mentioned in the job description, such as flow cytometry and microscopy. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've applied these skills in previous projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your enthusiasm for interdisciplinary collaboration by highlighting any past experiences where you worked with diverse teams. This will demonstrate that you are a good fit for the lab's collaborative environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant (Fixed Term) x 2
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in immunology, biomedical science, or related fields. Include any hands-on experience with animal handling, flow cytometry, and other techniques mentioned in the job description.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for research and your ability to work in a diverse team. Mention specific projects or experiences that align with the work being done in the Thaventhiran lab.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your communication, organisational, and problem-solving skills. Provide examples of how you've demonstrated these skills in previous roles or projects.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you quote reference PU46090 in your application and any correspondence. Double-check that you have registered an account with the recruitment system and submitted all required documents before the deadline.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Cambridge
✨Know Your Research
Familiarise yourself with the ongoing projects in the Thaventhiran lab, especially those related to mRNA therapeutics and vaccine responses. Being able to discuss these topics will show your genuine interest and understanding of the work being done.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Make sure to emphasise any hands-on experience you have with animal handling, flow cytometry, or microscopy. Be prepared to provide specific examples of how you've applied these skills in previous roles or projects.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves working in a diverse inter-disciplinary team, be ready to share experiences where you've successfully collaborated with others. Highlight your communication and problem-solving skills in these contexts.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready for your interviewers. This could include inquiries about the lab's future projects or the mentoring process. It shows that you're engaged and eager to learn more about the position.
