Research Associate (Fixed Term)

We invite applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Crop Pathogen Immunity group at the University of Cambridge, Department of Plant Sciences. The successful applicant will work at the Crop Science Centre, a multidisciplinary research environment designed to accelerate the transition to sustainable agriculture. The research will investigate how plant roots respond to infection by the emerging root-knot nematode Meloidogyne enterolobii. The project will combine quantitative infection biology with single-nucleus transcriptomics to resolve the root cell types and molecular programmes that support or restrict nematode invasion, feeding-site establishment and development. A complementary strand will explore whether cell-resolved transcriptional maps can also be generated for the nematode during parasitism, providing an integrated view of host and parasite responses. The appointee will work closely with Dr Lida Derevnina and members of the Crop Pathogen Immunity group. They will be expected to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team, and to support the training and supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate researchers. This position of Research Associate is based at the Crop Science Centre, Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Cambridge, to work in Dr Lida Derevnina's laboratory, starting on 2nd November 2026. The Derevnina lab focuses on understanding plant-pathogen interactions and aims to understand how pathogens interfere with plant immune receptor networks to drive disease resistance breeding. Successful candidates will have a PhD in plant pathology, plant-microbe interactions, molecular plant biology, nematology, genomics or a closely related discipline. Experience of root-knot nematodes, particularly Meloidogyne enterolobii, including culture maintenance, infection assays and developmental staging as well as experience of root biology and plant responses to nematode infection will be advantageous. The role holder will have good IT skills, excellent organisation skills and the ability to work independently once trained. The role holder will work as part of a wider team of laboratory technicians and research assistants, therefore, a willingness to help when demands are high and being a strong team player is essential. The role holder will also need good communication and interpersonal skills. Informal enquiries are welcome and should be directed to Dr Lida Derevnina (ld645@cam.ac.uk). Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 9 months. Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online. If you have not received any response 1 month after the closing date you should consider your application to be unsuccessful. Please quote reference PD50734 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.