Postdoctoral Fellow - Cader Lab Apply now

Postdoctoral Fellow - Cader Lab

Full-Time 43210 £ / year
Apply now
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our team to explore the link between metabolism and immunity through cutting-edge research.
  • Company: The Crick Institute is a world-leading biomedical research center focused on innovative science.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, excellent training programs, and a collaborative work environment.
  • Why this job: Be part of groundbreaking research that could change our understanding of diseases like autoimmunity.
  • Qualifications: PhD in life sciences with experience in immunology or metabolism required.
  • Other info: Opportunity to lead projects and mentor PhD students in a dynamic lab setting.

Postdoctoral Fellow – Z Cader Lab

Reporting to: Dr Zaeem Cader, Clinician Scientist Group Leader

Contact term: This is a full-time, fixed term (4 year) position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.

Salary for this Role: From £43,210 with benefits, subject to skills and experience

The Research Group

The Cader lab studies the complex interplay between metabolism and immunity across every level of organismal organisation from proteins to cells to organs and the whole-body. In doing so, we wish to learn how our diet, microbiota, and other environmental factors shape our immune system in health and disease. We look to investigate the dietary and microbial metabolites our cells are exposed to, how we sense and process these, and the forms of metabolic stress that can emerge if not handled correctly. We are particularly interested in how our body stores and utilises energy to fuel immunity. Importantly, we seek to understand the consequences of metabolic dysfunction for diseases such as autoimmunity and chronic inflammation. To address these questions we embrace a broad range of experimental techniques including advanced imaging, mass spectrometry, and genetics.

The Cader lab will be starting at the Crick in December 2024.

The Project

We are seeking an enthusiastic, hard-working and conscientious Postdoctoral Fellow to join our new research team at the Francis Crick Institute. There are up to 2 open positions available. This is an exciting opportunity to pioneer cutting-edge techniques in a world-leading institute and take a leading role in an ambitious research programme studying novel disease biology.

The incidence of autoimmunity and chronic inflammatory diseases such as Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis is rising globally. Yet, we still understand very little about why individuals develop such conditions in the first place. Guided by genetic studies, our research is beginning to define the key cellular pathways responsible for these conditions. One particular success has been our discovery and characterisation of a novel enzyme strongly linked to inflammatory bowel disease and arthritis. Our work has revealed the importance of energy, metabolism and redox balance in shaping immunity. This is one of the most ancient and fundamental levels of immune regulation and how we respond to infection.

This project will follow-up and further investigate this intriguing interplay between metabolism, redox, energy homeostasis and immunity. We aim to do this across different levels of organismal organisation spanning proteomic modification to intracellular signalling to immune function in tissues of interest such as lymph nodes and the intestine. As these are dynamic and highly contextual processes, we seek to embrace state-of-the-art techniques across imaging and mass spectrometry.

There are a number of exciting lines of investigation, which would be available for the successful applicant(s) to pursue. In particular, the prospective candidate(s) would drive either of the following projects:

  • During the course of their activation, immune cells require distinct metabolic states necessary for the different phases of an immune response. Our work has highlighted that these are crucial for supporting the energetic and chemical demands of immune signalling, which must respond rapidly but flexibly to changing levels of intracellular pathogenic threat. However, we still have a very nascent understanding of the dynamic coordination of intracellular metabolism and structural reorganisation required to meet these demands, following infection or other immune stimuli. Furthermore, we have identified several candidate metabolic and redox genes that are strongly implicated in immune-mediated disease, but whose function in immunity are yet to be characterised. We look to employ advanced imaging and metabolomic approaches such as super-resolution microscopy, imaging cytometry, redox proteomics, and stable-isotope flux analysis to investigate these processes in unprecedented detail with an aim to discover entirely novel immunometabolic biology.
  • Metabolic coordination is even more poorly understood at a whole tissue or organ level. We are only beginning to appreciate the importance of metabolic cross-talk between cells for maintaining specialist cell function in sites such as the brain and intestine. Metabolic dysfunction underpins virtually every ‘disease of westernisation’ from diabetes to dementia. In this project, we seek to investigate cellular metabolism in vivo and study metabolic cross-talk in physiological and disease relevant states in animal models. The successful candidate will utilise orthogonal methods for tracking and functionally investigating immunometabolic processes in vivo . We are particularly interested in developing approaches for intravital imaging and/or in vivo stable isotope flux analysis. We would also be interested to hear from candidates with experience and interest in immune- and metabolic in vivo phenotyping, particularly following diet or microbiota-based intervention.

Both post-doctoral projects will harness genetic and chemical tools to manipulate and image key metabolic and redox pathways. Candidates will also be encouraged and supported to innovate new tools and methods for studying immunometabolism both in vivo and in cells through genetic engineering and chemical biology approaches. This will be combined with next-generation genome editing screens to discover entirely novel biology and new mechanisms linking metabolism and redox to immune function. Importantly, the proposed work will generate important insight into the nascent fields of immunometabolism to pave the way for better disease understanding and therapeutic strategies.

Postdoctoral Fellows will lead their own projects, contribute to other projects on a collaborative basis (both in the lab and with external collaborators) and may guide PhD students in their research. The ability to work in a team is essential.

Key experience and competencies

The post holder should embody and demonstrate our core Crick values:

Bold; Open; Collegial

Essential

  • PhD in a relevant life science field or in the final stages of PhD submission
  • Good knowledge and interest in either immunology and/or metabolism
  • Extensive wet-lab experience with expertise across several relevant methods in cell biology, molecular biology, immunology or metabolism.
  • Technical expertise in one or more of the following: imaging, metabolomics or animal models
  • Experience of working independently, designing experiments and introducing new techniques into a lab
  • Track record of writing papers as evidenced by publications or submitted manuscripts in referred journals
  • Ability to work independently and be capable of interacting within a group

Desirable

  • Experience in research performing either immunological assays/phenotyping or metabolomics
  • Some experience performing molecular cloning, genetic modification and/or genome editing
  • In vivo projects would require significant experience with animal experimentation
  • Shows attention to detail with a clear focus on high quality data and documentation
  • Strong team working and communication skills
  • Ability to work flexibly within a team and comfortable learning new techniques
  • Open, honest and respectful

About Us

At the Crick, we conduct research at the forefront of biomedical research. We combine rigour with an open and collaborative culture, and are outward-looking, reflecting our status as a partnership of six organisations aiming to pool knowledge, ideas and resources.

We have a wide research portfolio with no divisions or departments, bringing biomedical researchers together with clinicians, physical scientists and applied scientists from our pharmaceutical partners.

We aim to attract the most talented researchers and support them to tackle innovative research questions. Our science technology platforms provide our researchers with access to state-of-the-art technology and expertise.

We provide an excellent learning environment with dedicated education programmes in public engagement with science, education and personal development, and a postdoc training programme that prepares scientists for leadership roles in science.

  • If you are interested in applying for this role, please apply via our website . Informal enquiries are welcome, and should be directed to
  • All offers of employment are subject to successful security screening and continuous eligibility to work in the United Kingdom.
  • If you require a visa to work in the UK we will help support your application should you be successful

Find out what benefits the Crick has to offer:

For more information on our great pay and benefits package please click here:

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:

We welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, pregnancy, age, disability, or civil partnership, marital or family status. We particularly welcome applications from people who are Minority Ethnic as they are currently underrepresented in the Crick at this level.

Diversity is essential to excellence in scientific endeavour . click apply for full job details

Postdoctoral Fellow - Cader Lab employer: The Francis Crick Institute

The Francis Crick Institute is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and collaborative work culture that fosters innovation and scientific excellence. As a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Cader Lab, you will have access to cutting-edge technology and resources, alongside opportunities for professional growth through dedicated training programs. Located in the heart of London, the Crick provides a unique environment where diverse perspectives are valued, ensuring that your contributions to groundbreaking research in immunometabolism are both meaningful and impactful.
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Contact Detail:

The Francis Crick Institute Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Fellow - Cader Lab

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarize yourself with the latest research in immunometabolism. Understanding current trends and breakthroughs in this field will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the Cader Lab's work.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former members of the Cader Lab or similar research groups. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights into the lab culture and expectations, which can be beneficial for your application.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific techniques you have experience with that are relevant to the projects mentioned in the job description, such as advanced imaging or metabolomics. Being able to articulate your hands-on experience will set you apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your collaborative spirit by highlighting any past teamwork experiences in your discussions. The Cader Lab values collegiality, so demonstrating your ability to work well within a team will be crucial.

We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Fellow - Cader Lab

PhD in a relevant life science field
Good knowledge of immunology and/or metabolism
Extensive wet-lab experience
Expertise in cell biology, molecular biology, immunology or metabolism
Technical expertise in imaging, metabolomics or animal models
Experience in designing experiments
Track record of writing papers and publications
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Experience with immunological assays/phenotyping
Experience in molecular cloning, genetic modification and/or genome editing
Significant experience with animal experimentation
Attention to detail and focus on high quality data
Strong team working and communication skills
Flexibility in learning new techniques

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Research Focus: Familiarize yourself with the Cader Lab's research on metabolism and immunity. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with their projects in your application.

Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV emphasizes your wet-lab experience, technical expertise in imaging or metabolomics, and any relevant publications. Make it clear how your background fits the role.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the position and the lab's research. Discuss specific projects you are interested in and how your skills can contribute to their goals.

Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration: Since the role requires collaboration, mention any previous experiences where you successfully worked in a team, contributed to group projects, or guided others in research.

How to prepare for a job interview at The Francis Crick Institute

✨Show Your Passion for Immunology and Metabolism

Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the research topics of the Cader Lab. Discuss any relevant projects or experiences that highlight your interest in the interplay between metabolism and immunity, as well as how these areas relate to diseases like autoimmunity and chronic inflammation.

✨Demonstrate Your Technical Expertise

Be prepared to discuss your extensive wet-lab experience and specific techniques you have mastered, such as advanced imaging, metabolomics, or working with animal models. Highlight any innovative methods you've introduced in previous roles and how they contributed to your research outcomes.

✨Emphasize Collaboration and Teamwork

The Cader Lab values a collegial environment, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked in teams. Discuss your ability to guide PhD students and collaborate on projects, showcasing your communication skills and openness to learning from others.

✨Prepare for Questions on Experimental Design

Expect questions about how you would design experiments related to immunometabolism. Think through potential challenges and solutions, and be ready to discuss how you would approach investigating metabolic cross-talk in vivo or using genetic tools to manipulate pathways.

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  • Postdoctoral Fellow - Cader Lab

    Full-Time
    43210 £ / year
    Apply now

    Application deadline: 2026-12-18

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    The Francis Crick Institute

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