University of Cambridge wish to recruit a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join the laboratory of Dr Rahul Roychoudhuri within the Division of Immunology at the Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge.
T cells drive immune activation and promote clearance of infections and cancer. However, their function can provoke autoimmune and allergic inflammation. The immune system therefore employs a variety of suppressive mechanisms, collectively known as immunoregulatory mechanisms, to restrain excessive T cell activation and prevent autoimmune and allergic inflammation. However, such suppressive mechanisms also powerfully inhibit anti-tumour immunity to drive deleterious immunosuppression in cancer. Immunoregulatory mechanisms therefore function as 'brakes' within the immune system and have important consequences in infection, inflammation and cancer. The laboratory utilises mouse genetics, cellular immunology and molecular biology to understand molecular mechanisms of immunity, peripheral tolerance and immunosuppression.
This research aims to uncover novel molecular and cellular mechanisms underpinning immune regulation and cancer immunosuppression. You will contribute to fundamental discoveries in the field of immunoregulation that will pave the way for new therapies aimed at manipulating immune function in patients with autoimmunity and cancer.
The successful applicant will join a large, friendly and collaborative team of researchers with access to cutting-edge facilities and resources within the centre of Cambridge on the historic Tennis Court Road site. The applicant will gain exposure to cutting-edge experimental approaches in cellular and molecular immunology including conditional mouse genetics, in vivo genetic cell barcoding and fate-tracking, molecular biology and high throughput RNA- and DNA-sequencing. The applicant will also have the opportunity to utilise platforms for high-throughput CRISPR/Cas9-based mutagenesis screens recently developed in the laboratory. The applicant will benefit from the collaborative and collegial environment of the laboratory, the Department and the wider research community present in Cambridge. The project will also benefit from a collaboration with the groups of Prof Adrian Liston and Dr Tim Halim within Cambridge, bringing together leading scientific and technical expertise in cancer immunology/immunotherapy, immune regulation and inflammation biology.
The ideal candidate will be motivated, independent and enthusiastic, and have a PhD. or MD/PhD in immunology, cell biology, or a related field. Experience with flow cytometry, cell culture, and molecular biology techniques and a track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals are desirable. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team are desirable.