Research Associate (Honorary Resident Doctor – Clinical PhD) [Fixed Term] Part-time NEW

Research Associate (Honorary Resident Doctor – PhD Student)

We are seeking an outstanding Clinical PhD student (training grade CT2 to ST8) to join the Marciniak laboratory at the Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR), University of Cambridge. The studentship is ideally suited to clinicians with an interest in specialties relevant to Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome (BHD), including but not limited to respiratory medicine, clinical genetics, dermatology, urology, and oncology.

BHD is an inherited tumour-predisposition syndrome caused by pathogenic variants in the FLCN gene, leading to dysregulated mTOR signalling and multisystem disease. This PhD project will investigate how FLCN loss perturbs mTOR-dependent cellular homeostasis and identify pathways that may be therapeutically tractable. The project combines fundamental cell biology with translational relevance. The student will: develop and characterise reporter cell lines and organoid models of FLCN deficiency; perform chemical and genetic screens to identify mechanisms capable of restoring cellular homeostasis following FLCN inactivation; and integrate cell biological and genetic approaches to understand disease mechanisms in a rare disease context.

The student will be based in the Marciniak lab at CIMR and will also be a member of the LifeArc Rare Respiratory Disease Centre, a UK-wide initiative focused on driving innovation and accelerating patient benefit in rare lung diseases, including BHD. The Marciniak lab has extensive expertise in defining the molecular mechanisms underpinning rare disease through both cell biological investigation and genetic studies.

The group comprises clinicians and fundamental scientists and values rigorous, collaborative science aimed at meaningful patient benefit. Crucially, we believe that excellent science and translational impact are only sustainable within a healthy, inclusive, and supportive working environment. The Marciniak lab therefore places explicit emphasis on mutual respect, psychological safety, and good work-life practice, alongside a strong shared work ethic and high scientific standards.

Applicants must be medically qualified at the time of commencing the PhD. The start date is fixed as 1 September 2026 and the studentship is for 3 years. Informal enquiries are very welcome. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact Professor Stefan Marciniak directly for further information prior to formal application sjm20@cam.ac.uk.

This appointment requires an Honorary Clinical Contract.