Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Protein Self-Assembly & Biomineralisation (Fixed Term)

CamWebDir; Cambridge; Remote; GBP 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Cambridge invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Knowles group to develop approaches for the controlled self-assembly of proteins into 2D and 3D material phases. This fixed-term post is funded by an ARIA international consortium and hosted in the Department of Chemistry.

You will lead protein toolkit development for screening nucleation, self-assembly and biomineralisation, and apply the platform to create protein–inorganic magnetic components using

Qualifications

• Synthesis and/or characterisation of crystalline inorganic materials.
• Experience with microfluidics-based approaches and flow/spray patterning.
• Knowledge of protein design, nucleation, self-assembly and biomineralisation.

Responsibilities

• Develop techniques to combine macro-scale printing to guide protein-templated biomineralisation.
• Lead protein toolkit development for screening proteins enabling controlled nucleation and alignment.
• Apply platform to synthesize protein–inorganic magnetic components and nanocrystals.
• Supervise PhD and Masters students and maintain group instruments.

Skills

Inorganic materials synthesis/charact.

Microfluidics approaches

3D printing and templating methods

Protein design & biomineralisation

Education

PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, biochemistry or related

Job description

# Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Protein Self-Assembly & Biomineralisation (Fixed Term)UUniversity of CambridgeCB2 1TNvia University of CambridgePosted 29 Oct 2026Apply on cam.ac.uk →Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 18 months in the first instance, if project milestone targets are met at 18 months, a further 18 months of funding will be allocated.Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to develop approaches for the control of self-assembly of naturally occurring and synthetic proteins into 2D and 3D material phases. This project is funded by an Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA) international consortium. The PDRA will be hosted in the group of Professor Tuomas Knowles in the Department of Chemistry at Cambridge University and will be involved in a multidisciplinary consortium between the University of Cambridge Department of Chemistry, Department of Engineering and Department of Chemical Engineering, along with the University of Liverpool and AMOLF, Netherlands.The PDRA will be responsible for developing techniques to combine a macro-scale printing method to guide and control the 'bottom-up' tuning of protein-templated biomineralisation. The PDRA will lead the efforts in developing protein toolkits for screening proteins enabling controlled nucleation, protection, alignment and locking. The PDRA will then apply the generated platform to allow controlled synthesis of protein-inorganic magnetic components and conversion-capable nanocrystal using droplet/flow/field processing to form anisotropic systems.Further duties include contributing to the supervision of PhD and Master's students and assisting with the maintenance of the group's custom instruments.Candidate requirements:• A PhD (or be about to obtain) in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, biochemistry, or a related discipline. The ideal candidate will possess:• Experience studying the synthesis and/or characterisation of crystalline inorganic materials.• A sound understanding of microfluidics-based approaches, flow/spray-based patterning, 3D printing and related templating methods.• Knowledge of protein design, nucleation, self-assembly and biomineralisation.Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV), a covering letter and publications list in the upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents that have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.For informal enquiries, please contact Echo Williamson - [e-mail] quote reference MA51551 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.The School of Physical Sciences holds an Athena Swan Silver Award which recognises and supports progress in gender equality.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.