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- Tasks: Join a team developing innovative proteins for carbon upcycling and sustainability.
- Company: Be part of the Open Bioeconomy Lab at the University of Cambridge, leading in bioengineering research.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and impactful work.
- Why this job: Contribute to cutting-edge research that tackles climate change and promotes sustainability.
- Qualifications: PhD or pursuing one in synthetic biology; experience in protein engineering and lab automation required.
- Other info: Fixed-term position until March 2028; applications close on 15th June 2025.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Overview
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to join the BioElectronic Systems Technology Group and work on the ERC CODEBREAKER project, a cutting-edge initiative aimed at developing a conformal electronic device toolkit to interface with the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and elucidate functional pathways of the gut-brain axis (GBA) in health and disease.
The project will build on recent technological advances in the group to enable unparalleled monitoring of GI function, including enteric nervous system (ENS) activity. Advanced monitoring techniques will be applied across a range of biological models from advanced tissue-engineered systems to perfused ex vivo tissues and in vivo experiments depending on the retention of functionality. These platforms will provide spatio-temporal insights into GI physiology and its systemic effects, with potential applications in diagnostics, therapeutics, and fundamental neuroscience.
Responsibilities
- The PDRA will be expected to contribute to the development of independent research tasks under the project, manage key experimental setups, and collaborate closely with engineers, biologists, and external partners.
- The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team working at the interface of bioelectronics, tissue engineering, and neurobiology. The role will be based in the Department of Chemical Engineering & Biotechnology at the University of Cambridge, under the supervision of Professor Róisín Owens.
- The department offers world-class facilities and a vibrant research environment, with strong links to clinical and industrial partners.
Qualifications and requirements
- PhD in enteric neurobiology.
- A Home Office Personal Licence for mouse work is essential.
- Strong experimental skills including husbandry, tissue dissection, and in vivo assays.
- Expertise in ENS-specific techniques such as gut dissections, physiological assays, immunostaining, spatial transcriptomics, sequencing, electrophysiology, and microscopy is required.
- Experience with confocal, light sheet, and 2-photon microscopy applied to ENS questions is essential, as is proficiency in image analysis.
- A track record of training others in ENS biology and experimental techniques.
- General research skills including experimental design, critical thinking, teamwork, and scientific communication; commitment to academic research and a desire to make a positive impact on science and society.
Additional information
- The PDRA will be appointed as a Research Assistant if the candidate has submitted but not yet received their PhD, with promotion to Research Associate upon award.
- Proposed start date: 1 November 2025.
- Fixed-term: funds for 2 years in the first instance.
- Apply online by clicking the Apply button and registering an account with the recruitment system. Please quote reference NQ47157 in your application and any correspondence.
- 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.
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Research Assistant/Research Associate (Fixed Term) employer: Cambridge University Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology
Contact Detail:
Cambridge University Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant/Research Associate (Fixed Term)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest research in synthetic biology and protein engineering. This will not only help you understand the role better but also allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews, showcasing your passion and knowledge.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field, especially those connected to the Open Bioeconomy Lab or similar projects. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to meet potential colleagues and learn more about ongoing research, which can give you an edge in your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience with cell-free protein expression systems and lab automation. Be ready to provide specific examples of your work and how it relates to the goals of the EngZyme project, as this will demonstrate your practical skills and relevance to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Reach out to Dr Jenny Molloy for an informal chat about the position. This shows initiative and genuine interest in the role, plus it gives you a chance to ask questions that could help you tailor your approach when applying.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant/Research Associate (Fixed Term)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the specific requirements and responsibilities of the Research Assistant/Research Associate position. Pay attention to the qualifications needed, such as a PhD or progress towards one, and the skills in synthetic biology and protein engineering.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in cell-free protein expression systems, protein engineering, and lab automation. Make sure to include any hands-on experience with computational protein design and engineering, as these are key aspects of the role.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that connects your background and skills to the specific project, 'EngZyme'. Emphasise your teamwork abilities, communication skills, and problem-solving capabilities, as these are essential for the role.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you follow all application instructions carefully. Register an account on the recruitment system, quote the reference NQ46023 in your application, and submit all required documents before the closing date of 15th June 2025.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge University Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology
✨Know Your Research
Familiarise yourself with the specifics of the EngZyme project and the Open Bioeconomy Lab. Understanding the goals and methodologies of the research will allow you to engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Be prepared to discuss your experience with cell-free protein expression systems, protein engineering, and lab automation. Use specific examples from your past work to demonstrate your skills and how they relate to the role.
✨Showcase Teamwork and Independence
The role requires both collaborative and independent work. Prepare examples that illustrate your ability to work effectively in a team as well as your capability to take initiative and solve problems on your own.
✨Prepare Questions
Have thoughtful questions ready for your interviewers about the project, team dynamics, and future directions of the research. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
