Postdoctoral Research Associate in Bat Antiviral Immunity
Location: Cambridge, UK
Salary: GBP 37,694 – GBP 46,049
Contract: Fixed-term for 18 months in the first instance
Start date: 1 September 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter
Closing date: 29 July 2026
Reference: PP50380
The Department of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Cambridge invites applications for a BBSRC-funded Postdoctoral Research Associate position in the laboratory of Professor Clare Bryant.
The project aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying antiviral immunity and immune regulation in bats. The main focus will be the functional characterisation of ancestral and lineage-specific variants of the innate immune genes NLRP3, MyD88 and STING.
Collaborating research groups have reconstructed ancestral versions of these genes and identified lineage-specific amino-acid substitutions of particular interest. The successful candidate will investigate the functional consequences of these variants in human and bat cell systems. Gene variants will be introduced using plasmid transfection, lentiviral transduction or CRISPR-mediated genome modification, followed by functional analysis of innate immune signalling.
Applicants should have, or be close to completing, a PhD in cell biology, biochemistry, evolutionary biology or a related discipline. Experience in cell culture and molecular cloning is essential. A good understanding of innate immunity and knowledge of evolutionary bioinformatics would be advantageous. Experience with lentiviral transduction, CRISPR-mediated genome modification or functional immune assays would also be beneficial.
The successful candidate will join a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment and should value teamwork and cooperation. Good organisational, administrative, interpersonal and presentation skills are also required.
The appointment is fixed-term for 18 months in the first instance and is available from 1 September 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.
Full details and online application:
https://www.cam.ac.uk/jobs/research-associate-fixed-term-pp50380
Informal enquiries about the position may be directed to Julie Ingham at ji217@cam.ac.uk.
Applicants should submit a completed CHRIS/6 form, a curriculum vitae, a covering letter outlining their suitability for the role, and contact details for two referees. Applications must be submitted through the University of Cambridge online recruitment system.
Please quote reference PP50380 in your application and in any correspondence concerning the vacancy.
Interviews are expected to be held during the week commencing 24 August 2026.
Enquiries about the application process may be directed to hr.enquiries@vet.cam.ac.uk.
The University of Cambridge actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The University is committed to promoting an inclusive culture and valuing diversity.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the United Kingdom.

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