Job Description

We wish to recruit a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join the laboratory of Prof Adrian Liston and Dr James Dooley within the Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge (https://www.listonlab.uk/). This translational research project aims to develop novel technologies for treating neuroimmunology into clinic-ready molecules. The work would be suitable for a new PhD graduate who is motivated to develop new skills in both neuroimmunology and in commercialisation. You will contribute to the optimisation of therapeutics for brain delivery to patients, as part of the commercialisation pathway for a recently developed neuroinflammation treatment (Yshii et al, Nature Immunology 2022). The post is designed to result in scientific publications and patent applications. Potential avenues for further career development within the laboratory and within the developing spin-off company Aila Biotech (https://www.ailabiotech.com/) are possible for a successful post-holder. The project is based on recent characterisation of T cells within the mouse and human brain (Pasciuto et al, Cell 2020). This population includes both conventional T cells, with pro-inflammatory potential, and regulatory T cells, with anti-inflammatory capacity. Recent advances demonstrated that the delivery of the cytokine IL2 to the brain allowed an expansion of the anti-inflammatory population of regulatory T cells, protecting mice against neuroinflammation in traumatic brain injury (Yshii et al, Nature Immunology 2022), ageing (Lemaitre et al, EMBO Molecular Medicine 2023) and other neuroinflammatory conditions. This project will humanise the therapeutic for clinical translation, with a focus on the translational outcome. The successful applicant will join a dynamic and teamwork-focused laboratory, with ~15 laboratory members, spanning early career researchers to senior staff scientists. The team is led by co-PIs Adrian Liston and James Dooley. The laboratory is international, diverse, LGBTQ+ friendly, and supportive of the personal and career development of its members. Embedded within the University of Cambridge, the team has access to cutting-edge facilities and resources. The applicant will gain exposure to advanced experimental approaches in cellular immunology and mouse neuroimmunology including viral vector design, ultra-high parameter flow cytometry, imaging, mouse models of brain injury, behavioural assessment, and advanced analytical techniques. The job will require animal experimentation. The applicant will also have the opportunity to collaborate with lab members on a range of novel and exciting immunology and neuroimmunology projects. The applicant will benefit from the collaborative and collegial environment of the laboratory, the Division and the wider research community present in Cambridge. The ideal candidate will be independent, highly motivated and enthusiastic, and have a recent Ph.D. or MD/PhD in immunology, neuroscience, or a related field. Experience with animal handling, flow cytometry, viral vectors, imaging and neuroscience techniques are a plus, however applicants are not expected to enter with the full range of skills. A track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals, 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. A positive approach to kind and collaborative interactions with the team is essential. For more information on the work of the Liston-Dooley group, please visit https://www.listonlab.uk/ Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance. Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment. Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University. Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online. For informal enquiries, or to find out specific details about available projects in the laboratory, please email Adrian Liston at al989@cam.ac.uk. Please quote reference PK39757 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.

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