Research Associate (Fixed Term) in Cambridge

The Department of Radiology is internationally recognised for its combination of scientific excellence and access to state-of-the-art imaging facilities. The Department is developing and translating novel technologies in metabolic imaging using MRI and PET, with extensive access to both pre‑clinical and clinical research tools. As part of an expanding CRUK‑funded research programme, we are seeking to appoint a highly motivated Postdoctoral Metabolic Imaging Scientist to join a collaborative and interdisciplinary research team. In recent years, the group has focused on hyperpolarised carbon‑13 and deuterium metabolic imaging. Proof‑of‑concept studies have been delivered in animal models of disease, healthy volunteers, and patient cohorts across a range of cancer types, with a particular emphasis on urological tumours. This work aims to improve tumour characterisation and develop metabolic imaging biomarkers to support clinical research, diagnosis, and treatment monitoring.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop novel metabolic imaging methods to study cancer and correlate imaging findings with tumour biology.
• Plan, prioritise, and manage independent research activity, maintaining experimental records to a high standard.
• Participate in joint scientific discussions and report regularly on experimental design, progress, and outcomes.
• Contribute to the planning and delivery of joint research projects led by the Principal Investigator.
• Develop new research projects, contribute to ethics applications, and plan the use of research resources.
• Supervise junior staff where appropriate.
• Generate high‑quality data, analyses, and written reports suitable for publication and grant proposals.
• Prepare manuscripts for peer‑reviewed journals and present results at national and international meetings.
• Actively participate in group meetings, including the presentation of own and published data.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding research and clinical data.
• Support education and training: train technicians and scientists, supervise student projects, provide limited teaching support, and deliver seminars related to the research area.

Qualifications & Experience

• Applicant must have (or be close to obtaining) a PhD.
• Experience in metabolic imaging, MRI, PET, or related pre‑clinical/clinical imaging is preferred.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Experience in writing research reports, grant proposals, and scientific manuscripts.
• Prior experience in supervising or mentoring junior staff or students is an advantage.

Practical & Administrative Details

• Fixed‑term: The funds for this post are available until 31 March 2027 in the first instance.
• Position: Initial appointment at Research Associate level (Grade 7) upon confirmation of PhD; those not yet awarded will begin as a Research Assistant (Grade 5, Point 38 £34,132).
• All successful candidates will need to undergo a health assessment after acceptance of an offer.
• Applicants must upload a covering letter, CV, and referees’ details (including email address and phone number, with at least one recent line manager) within the online application.
• The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying.
• No additional documents will be considered.
• Reference RQ48678 – please quote this on all correspondence and in the application.

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.