Fixed range: Funds from this post are available for a period of primarily 18 months.

Applications are invited for a highly motivated Research Assistant to join the MCEWAN laboratory at the Dementia Research UK Institute at the University of Cambridge. Our group studies the molecular mechanisms of protein aggregation and clearance in neurodegenerative disease.

The successful candidate will play a key role in the new UK Tau Human Societies platform. They will be responsible for producing well characterized TAU specimens for use in mechanical studies across the UK DRI.

This will include:

• Expression, purification, and quality control of recombinant TAU ​​from E. coli and mammalian tissue culture sources
• Liaise with colleagues across the UK DRI to coordinate production and distribution of samples
• Contribute to laboratory management, e.g. by ordering reagents, helping to schedule equipment repair, etc.

We welcome applications from candidates with a background in biochemistry, molecular biology or related disciplines. The role will require careful attention to replay, ad hoc record keeping and a strong ability to work collaboratively as part of a team. Proficiency in practical work, and experience in protein processing are desirable. Experience in mammalian cell culture or protein synthesis is also desirable but training will be provided.

About the UK Human Tau Collections Platform Tau aggregates play a major role in neurodegenerative processes, which occur in about 20 distinct diseases including Alzheimer’s disease. Recent advances have shown that specific TAU conformations are present in every human disease, meaning that TAU ​​conformation may be critical to disease manifestation. Working with TAU is challenging because of the wide range of different structures it can adopt, which reduces reproducibility between and within laboratories. The UK human TAU collections platform will provide researchers with TAU sources that have undergone standardized processes and are appropriate for the biological question. These include recombinant TAU ​​and hypercellular phospholipids amplified from patient samples.

Closing date: November 2, 2025

For human related questions please contact Dr Will McEwan on wm305@cam.ac.uk

To apply online for this vacancy and view more information about the role, please click ‘Apply’ above.

Please be sure to upload your cover letter and CV in the upload section of the online application. Your cover letter should explain how you meet the criteria of the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents that were not requested, we will not be able to consider them as part of your application.

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of whom must be the final line manager.

Please quote reference ZE47541 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 the community.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all staff are eligible to live and work in the UK.