Research Assistant (Fixed Term)

Job description

We are looking to appoint a Research Assistant to join the Patil lab at the MRC Toxicology Unit.

The Patil lab investigates the physiology of microorganisms in the context of complex microbial communities, such as the human gut microbiome. This role will use a combination of microbiological, genetic and analytical techniques to isolate, test and engineer bacteria for use as next-generation probiotics. The role will be supervised by post-doctoral researchers.

Candidates will hold a Masters' degree in an appropriate field (e.g. microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology). Previous expertise in anaerobic cultivations of gut bacterial communities, and LC-MS metabolomics is essential. You will work both independently and as part of a team, have excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving skills, as well as enthusiasm for working in a diverse inter-disciplinary team.

Informal enquiries are invited and can be directed to Kiran R. Patil ( [email protected] ).

If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact [email protected] .

Relevant publications:

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41564-025-02032-5

https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.14.653412v1.abstract

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 March 2027 in the first instance.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Further information about the Toxicology Unit can be found on our website: https://www.mrc-tox.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference PU51028 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.