Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.
Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position to start from January 2027 or as soon as possible after this date. This project is funded by a grant from the ERC and aims to elucidate mechanisms of antibacterial and antiviral immunity in birds. The main focus of the research will be to characterise the innate immune complexes which form in avian cells in response to infection and to discover how they resemble or differ from human systems. Recent advances have found a critical role for protein concentration in the formation of such molecular assemblies which requires investigation of genes using precise gene editing. Isolation of signalling complexes will be followed by proteomic analysis of their contents in a time- and stimulus-dependent manner. Applicants should have a PhD in cell biology, evolutionary biology, immunology or a related discipline. Essential wet lab skills will be experience with cell culture, CRISPR-based gene editing and in vitro infection studies. A good understanding of human and avian innate immunity and evolutionary bioinformatics would be an advantage. The project is in collaboration with other postdocs within and outside the department. The candidate must value teamwork and collaboration, and have good administrative, interpersonal and presentational skills. We are committed to a proactive approach to equality, which includes supporting and encouraging equally all groups of individuals, promoting an inclusive culture and valuing diversity.
Further particulars for the role and information about the Department www.vet.cam.ac.uk
Informal enquiries should be directed to Julie Ingham email [email protected]
Applicants should submit a CHRIS/6, CV, covering letter outlining suitability for the role and contact details for two references. Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a covering letter in the Upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents, which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.
Closing date: 21 October 2026
Interviews will be held: 3 November 2026
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Enquiries about the application process can be directed to [email protected]
Please quote reference PP51339 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.