At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct innovative research on insect egg micropyles and sperm co-evolution using advanced experimental techniques.
- Company: Join a dynamic international team at the University of Lincoln, collaborating with Tulane University.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time position, and the chance to work on groundbreaking research.
- Other info: Fixed-term position for 36 months with excellent opportunities for collaboration and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in biophysics and bioengineering while advancing your research career.
- Qualifications: PhD (or near completion) in relevant fields with hands-on experience in microfabrication and live-cell imaging.
The predicted salary is between 38784 - 38784 £ per year.
This is an externally-funded PDRA position supporting the Leverhulme project “Biophysical and morphological coevolution of egg micropyles and sperm in insects”. You will work closely with an international team of researchers across multiple disciplines at the University of Lincoln, UK, in collaboration with Tulane University, USA.
Insect eggs are incredibly intricate and complex structures which are poorly studied when compared to sperm. To fertilise insect eggs, sperm must pass through a tiny pore called a micropyle, which is connected to a channel leading inside the egg. Through our previous work on insect egg and sperm, we have shown that sperm and egg micropyles co-evolve. The aim of this project is to quantify and explore the form and function of insect egg micropyles across insects.
The post you would hold sits at the experimental heart of this: fabricating nano-scale physical analogues of egg surfaces and micropylar pores, and imaging live sperm as they move across and through them. These experiments are complemented by evolutionary analysis and mathematical modelling carried out with the wider team. This is a laboratory-based post and we are looking above all for a strong experimentalist.
You will have a PhD (or close to completion) in experimental biophysics, bioengineering, applied physics or a closely allied discipline, with demonstrable hands-on experience of micro- and nanofabrication and of quantitative live-cell imaging. You will fabricate microfluidic devices and develop live imaging protocols to visualise sperm movement over engineered surfaces and through pores. You will also contribute to computational modelling of sperm movement alongside our collaborator Dr Adnan Morshed (Tulane University, USA) and write and run analysis code in R and/or Python.
You will have excellent communication skills with the ability to talk to different audiences, as you will be collaborating with a team of researchers across multiple disciplines both in the UK and overseas.
Closing Date: 10 Sep 2026
Department: Research
Salary: £38,784 per annum
Please note, this post is fixed-term for 36 months and full-time at 1 FTE.
Post-doctoral Research Associate in Biophysics, Bioengineering or Mathematical Biology (CHS310A) in Lincoln employer: University of Lincoln
The University of Lincoln is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment for researchers passionate about addressing contemporary challenges in archaeology and environmental science. With access to cutting-edge facilities and a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, employees benefit from extensive professional development opportunities and the chance to contribute to impactful research projects like the AHRC-funded ‘MicroPast’ Project. Located in a vibrant city known for its rich history and cultural diversity, the university fosters a supportive community that values innovation and academic excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Post-doctoral Research Associate in Biophysics, Bioengineering or Mathematical Biology (CHS310A) in Lincoln
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like University of Lincoln. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like University of Lincoln!
We think you need these skills to ace Post-doctoral Research Associate in Biophysics, Bioengineering or Mathematical Biology (CHS310A) in Lincoln
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show University of Lincoln that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at University of Lincoln.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that University of Lincoln does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Lincoln
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at University of Lincoln. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into University of Lincoln's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at University of Lincoln. This shows your passion for the industry!
