Research Assistant (Fixed Term) Full-time

Research Assistant Position

We are inviting applications for a talented and hard-working Research Assistant to contribute to an exciting Medical Research Council funded translational project with Respiratory Clinician Scientist Dr Akhilesh Jha in collaboration with Professor Clare Bryant.

The research project titled “Mechanisms of Inflammatory Memory in the Human Respiratory Mucosa” will seek to develop unique and innovative human experimental medicine inhaled challenge models for investigating the molecular drivers of immune responses in the lungs of healthy individuals and those with asthma. Further information on the project is available via the UKRI Gateway to Research website.

Recent projects related to the background for this study include: Jha et al, Immunther Adv 2025; Jha et al, JACI 2021; Progatzky, Jha et al, JACI 2019; Jha et al, ERJ, 2019.

The project will seek to characterise cellular responses and epigenetic changes that occur in vivo in humans after immune challenge with the Toll-Like Receptor (TLR) agonists and in vitro using primary epithelial cells, as well as co-culture with immune cells such as macrophages. The aim of the research is to develop novel approaches for treating airway inflammation.

The work will involve the handling, processing and storing human samples including sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage, respiratory mucosal tissue, epithelial cells and blood. A range of experimental techniques involving primary cell culture including at Air-Liquid Interface (ALI), ELISA, Flow cytometry and preparatory steps for advanced molecular biology tools such as single-cell RNA seq, ATAC-seq and spatial transcriptomics.

The position is particularly suited to applicants with experience of handling human samples, molecular biology approaches and tissue culture. They will also contribute to and gain experience in aspects of clinical trials management and will receive training in Good Clinical Practice as required. Candidates are expected to have a BSc or equivalent degree.

The position will be based in the Heart and Lung Research Institute (HLRI) at the core of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus as well as in the NIHR Cambridge Clinical Research Facility based in Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Applicants will be expected to work collaboratively and flexibly with colleagues and contribute to a positive, friendly and dynamic research environment.

Fixed Term: Funding is available for this position until 27th August 2028.

Informal enquiries are welcome and can be sent to Dr Akhilesh Jha.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment. This appointment also requires a Research Passport 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.

Reference RC49804