At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a leading lab to develop innovative membrane sensors and explore cellular mechanisms.
- Company: University of Warwick, a top research-intensive university in the UK.
- Benefits: 30 days holiday, flexible working, generous parental leave, and excellent development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborate with top researchers and access state-of-the-art facilities in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cutting-edge research at the intersection of biology and technology.
- Qualifications: PhD in cell biology or biophysics, with experience in molecular sensors and biophysics.
The predicted salary is between 35608 - 36610 € per year.
This is a re-advertisement. Previous candidates for this role need not apply.
Location: University of Warwick Campus, Coventry
Department: Warwick Medical School – Biomedical Sciences
You will join the laboratory of Professor Satyajit Mayor in the Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology, Biomedical Sciences Directorate at Warwick Medical School to define and develop sensors for local membrane properties ranging from the biophysical to the mechanical. The Mayor laboratory is one of the leading laboratories, working on understanding basic cellular mechanisms that govern chemical, biophysical and mechanical properties of the cell membrane. This project is in collaboration with Robert Ernst (Membrane Cell Biology and Biophysics, University of Saarland) and the Molecular Tools and Imaging (MTI) at the HHMI Janelia Research Institute. Mayor and Ernst study the crosstalk of proteins and lipids in health and disease, using interdisciplinary approaches at the crossroads of cell biology, biochemistry, synthetic biology, imaging and biophysics.
About You
You will have an honours degree or equivalent and a PhD in cell biology, biophysics or allied disciplines. You will have experience in molecular cell biology and an interest in studying membrane biophysics, along with a strong scientific interest and motivation. You should have evidence of published work on the design of molecular sensors for monitoring properties in a cell or single‑molecule biophysics in living cells.
PhD Status
If you are near submission of your PhD, or have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made at Research Assistant level, at the highest spinal point of pay grade 5 (£34,610 per annum). Upon receipt of evidence confirming the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow, at the lowest spinal point of grade 6 (£35,608 per annum).
About the Department
We offer an outstanding interdisciplinary environment for discovery science in one of the best universities in the UK. The Centre of Mechanochemical Cell Biology at the University of Warwick seeks to understand the principles of cellular self‑organisation with a focus on the role of mechanics in processes that enable cell duplication, movement, repair and membrane organisation. The centre is home to 19 principal investigators with backgrounds in cell biology, computer science and physics. It is housed in the Mechanochemical Cell Biology building with state‑of‑the‑art imaging facilities. The post holder will also join Warwick Biomedical Sciences (BMS). Areas of research excellence in BMS focus on quantitative molecular, cell and developmental biology, host‑pathogen interactions and human reproduction. Collaborations with the Ernst group at Saarland University will provide an interdisciplinary training in studying membrane biophysics and biochemistry while MTI at HHMI‑JRI is world renowned in developing molecular tools for imaging cellular properties.
About the University
We are a world‑leading research‑intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 74th in the world and 9th in the UK. Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world‑leading or internationally excellent. Find out more about us at warwick.ac.uk/about/.
Closing Deadline
Sunday 24th May 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time)
Application Process
Applicants must submit an application through the Warwick Careers Portal by the closing deadline. The application should include a CV and cover letter. Applicants should outline employment and education history, reasons for interest in the position and demonstrate how they meet the role requirements with reference to essential and desirable criteria.
What we Offer
- An attractive pension scheme.
- 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure.
- Generous parental/adoption leave policy.
- Onsite childcare facilities.
- Excellent learning and development opportunities.
- We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements.
- We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.
Equal Opportunity
Warwick is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures and communities, and actively encourage candidates from under‑represented groups to apply. The University of Warwick is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we work with. Roles involving regulated activity are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level, in line with the DBS Code of Practice. The University will ensure that anyone subject to a barring order does not undertake any work with the barred group (children and/or adults). All employees, volunteers and partners are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding.
Rehabilitation of Ex‑Offenders: The University will not discriminate against applicants who make a disclosure relating to a conviction. Disclosures at application stage are only visible to the DBS team, not to hiring panels. This ensures fairness and removes bias from the short‑listing process.
If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK and/or are seeking sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa, please follow this link which contains further information about obtaining the right to work in the UK.
Research Fellow in Membrane Sensors (110500-0526) in Coventry employer: University of Warwick
The University of Warwick is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of biomedical sciences. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to employee development, you will have ample opportunities for growth while contributing to groundbreaking research in a supportive environment. Located in Coventry, this prestigious institution not only provides competitive benefits such as generous leave policies and flexible working arrangements but also promotes a healthy work/life balance, making it an ideal place for passionate researchers to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow in Membrane Sensors (110500-0526) in Coventry
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the University of Warwick, especially in the Biomedical Sciences department. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that interview! Research the Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology and Professor Mayor's work. We want to show our passion and knowledge about membrane sensors and how we can contribute to their groundbreaking research.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do mock interviews with us. This will help us articulate our experience in molecular cell biology and sensor design confidently when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen. Plus, we can tailor our CV and cover letter directly to what they’re looking for in this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow in Membrane Sensors (110500-0526) in Coventry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to express your genuine interest in the Research Fellow position and highlight how your background in cell biology and biophysics aligns with the work at the Mayor laboratory. We want to see your passion for the role!
Tailor Your CV:Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to showcase your relevant experience, especially any published work on molecular sensors or single-molecule biophysics. We’re looking for specifics that demonstrate you meet the essential and desirable criteria outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Research Experience:Make sure to detail your research experience clearly. Highlight any interdisciplinary projects you've been involved in, especially those related to membrane properties. This will help us see how you can contribute to our exciting collaborative environment.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, the application must be submitted through the Warwick Careers Portal. Don’t miss the deadline! We’re excited to see your application, so make sure everything is polished and ready to go before Sunday 24th May 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time).
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Warwick
✨Know Your Research
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest research related to membrane sensors and biophysics. Familiarise yourself with Professor Mayor's work and the collaborative projects with Robert Ernst. This will show your genuine interest and help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Prepare Your Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask about the lab's current projects, methodologies, and future directions. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you assess if the lab environment aligns with your research interests and career goals.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous research experiences, especially any published work on molecular sensors or single-molecule biophysics. Use specific examples to illustrate your skills and how they relate to the role, making it clear why you’re a great fit for the team.
✨Practice Your Presentation
If you're asked to present your research, practice beforehand. Keep it concise and focus on the key findings and their implications. Being able to communicate your work clearly will impress the interviewers and highlight your ability to convey complex ideas effectively.
