Host:pathogen interactions in human critical illness Applications are invited for an enthusiastic postdoctoral scientist to join a team investigating neutrophil responses to bacterial infections. The project is funded by an MRC Clinician Scientist grant and will focus neutrophil responses to microbial infections. Dr Conway Morris's group are interested in how neutrophil antibacterial responses are impaired in sepsis (severe infections) and how this relates to outcomes in intensive care units. The project is based on recent findings concerning neutrophil function and maturity (JCI Insight. 2020 Aug 6;5(15):e137029) the impact this has on bacterial pneumonia (MedRxiv. 2024 https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.09.02.24312971 .) This work will help with the development of immunomodulatory therapies for sepsis and critical illness. The position will be held in a recently refurbished lab in the University Department of Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital. The Department is well-resourced with full access to containment level 2 and 3 facilities, and access to flow cytometry, imaging, and sequencing. Candidates should be highly motivated and have a PhD in a relevant biological science. Ideally, the candidate will have experience working with human immune cells, particularly neutrophils. Experience in single-cell RNA sequencing, functional immune cell assays and/or flow cytometry would be advantageous. However, training will be provided as needed. The ability to work both independently and as part of a team, coupled with excellent communication, organizational and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and an enthusiasm for scientific research, are required. The duties/responsibilities of this post include developing and driving research objectives, recording and analysing data to prepare research results for presentation/publication, mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, and delivering presentations at lab meetings and wider departmental seminars. Where the successful applicant does not yet have a PhD awarded, they will normally be under-appointed as a Research Assistant in a Research Associate post (on the understanding that they will be appointed as a Research Associate upon successful completion of their PhD). The Research Associate salary should be backdated to the submission date of their thesis. Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 26th August 2026. Continuation is subject to ongoing grant applications. Specific queries may be directed to ac926cam.ac.uk (Dr Conway Morris). Further reading: Jeffrey M, Bartholdson-Scott J, White RJ, et al. Severe pneumonia is characterised by pulmonary compartmentalisation of mechanistically distinct inflammatory phenotypes. MedRxiv [preprint]. 2024 https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.09.02.24312971 Wood AJ, Vassallo AM, Ruchaud-Sparagano MH, et al. C5a impairs phagosomal maturation in the neutrophil through phosphoproteomic remodeling. JCI Insight. 2020 Aug 6;5(15):e137029 ( https://insight.jci.org/articles/view/137029 ) Guo SA, Bowyer GS, Ferdinand JR, et al Obesity Is Associated with Attenuated Tissue Immunity in COVID-19. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2023 Mar 1;207(5):566-576. Informal enquiries regarding this position are strongly encouraged to contact: Dr Andrew Conway Morris ( ac926cam.ac.uk ) Associate Professor of Anaesthesia, PACE Section, Department of Medicine Honorary Consultant in Intensive Care Medicine, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment. This appointment also requires a Research Passport application. 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 a 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. The closing date for applications is: 9th February 2025 The interview date for the role is: To be confirmed Please quote reference RC44780 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. Further information Further Particulars Apply online