Research Assistant / Research Associate (Fixed Term)

Job description

Applications are invited for a Research Assistant / Associate to lead a project at the intersection of human stem cell biology, disease modelling, functional genomics, and translational neuroscience. The successful candidate will develop and utilise cutting-edge patient stem cell-derived models of progressive MS to investigate the molecular mechanisms driving maladaptive glial responses, apply functional genomic approaches to identify and validate novel disease-modifying targets, and advance the translation of these discoveries towards effective therapies.

About the CCMR

The UK MS Society Cambridge Centre for Myelin Repair (CCMR) is one of the MS Society's two national Centres of Excellence. Established in 2005, it has just been renewed for a fifth five-year term (CCMR5) with the mission of accelerating the development of effective treatments for progressive MS, a condition for which no therapies currently exist to halt disability progression. Led by Professors Káradóttir, Pluchino and Coles, CCMR5 brings together six laboratories across the Department of Clinical Neurosciences and the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, with research fellows, postdocs, clinical scientists and PhD students working across three integrated Themes: identifying the determinants of remyelination and progression (#1), validating them in next-generation human models (#2), and biomarkers of remyelination in people with MS (#3). This post sits in Theme #2, led by Professor Pluchino, and works closely with Theme #1. You will join an active community with an annual symposium, structured postdoctoral mentoring (all four CCMR4-funded postdocs went on to secure personal fellowships) and a wide international collaborator network.

About You

You will hold a PhD in cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a closely related field, with a strong background in cellular engineering and gene editing (including CRISPR-Cas9 and CRISPR-based screens) and demonstrated experience culturing human stem cells (iPSCs). You will have excellent data analysis and communication skills, a track record of scientific output, and the ability to work both independently and within a collaborative, multidisciplinary team. Experience with single-cell omics, bioinformatics, epigenomics or cell metabolism is desirable. Full criteria are set out in the Further Particulars.

This is a Grade 7 Research Associate post. Candidates who have submitted their PhD but not yet been awarded it may be appointed initially as a Research Assistant (Grade 5) and uplifted to Research Associate once the PhD is awarded.

What We Offer

Pioneering Research

The Pluchino laboratory is internationally recognised for its work on cell metabolism, stem cell biology, and neurodegeneration, with high-impact publications in Cell Stem Cell, Neuron, and Nature family journals.

A Highly Collaborative Environment

Close interactions with the Department of Clinical Neurosciences, the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, the Clinical School and the UK Dementia Research Institute on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus.

Career Development and Mentorship

• Dedicated supervision and regular one-to-one meetings with Professor Pluchino
• Opportunity to lead high-impact projects and publish in top-tier journals
• Access to the University of Cambridge's extensive researcher development programme
• Support to develop an independent research identity, including contributing to grant applications and presenting at national and international conferences

Useful links: MS Society Cambridge Centre for Myelin Repair ( https://www.stemcells.cam.ac.uk/research/ms-society-cambridge-centre-myelin-repair ); Pluchino Laboratory ( www.pluchinolab.com ).

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment and a security check.

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

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

Closing Date: 11th October 2026

Interview Date: to be confirmed

Please quote reference RR51113 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.