Postdoctoral Research Associate (piRNA Team) (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Cambridge's Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the piRNA team led by Dr Ben Nicholson. The role combines RNA biology, chromatin silencing, and small RNA pathways in a collaborative environment within Cambridge.

Applicants should hold a PhD in a relevant discipline, with strong experience in protein biochemistry, RNA biology, and molecular biology.

Qualifications

• PhD with strong track record of research in RNA biology and related fields.
• Hands-on experience in protein biochemistry, molecular biology and tissue culture.
• Publications and ability to work independently within a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Lead experimental projects in piRNA biology at the interface of RNA chemistry and chromatin biology.
• Manage data collection, analysis, and methods development; coordinate with core facilities.
• Contribute to training and supervision of junior lab members; publish findings.

Skills

Protein biochemistry

RNA biology

Molecular biology

Tissue culture

Data analysis

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in a relevant discipline

Job description

The Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute is situated on the Biomedical Campus in Cambridge, UK. As part of the University of Cambridge, the institute's research ranges from basic biology through translational cancer research to clinical application. The institute currently houses over 400 researchers and support staff with 22 research groups. It provides a highly collaborative, multi-disciplinary environment, with state-of-the-art facilities and core scientific resources, and good links with the scientific community of Cambridge.

We are looking to recruit a highly enthusiastic and motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the piRNA team, led by Dr Ben Nicholson. Working at the interface of transposon biology, chromatin silencing and small RNA pathways, the team includes a mixture of wet- and dry-lab researchers and seeks to understand many aspects of small RNAs, including how genomic loci are defined as piRNA sources, how their products are fated for processing, and how Piwi-piRNA complexes direct co-transcriptional silencing of target loci.

This position is part of a collaborative project with the lab of Prof Lori Passmore, at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, whose group brings complementary structural biology expertise. The role will offer opportunities to work across both groups, exchange expertise, and contribute to a joint research programme at the interface of RNA biology, biochemistry, and structural biology.

The successful candidate will have (or is nearing completion of) a PhD in a relevant discipline with a good record of research experience and publications. Strong hands-on skills in protein biochemistry (e.g. expression, purification, interaction assays) are essential for this role, while experience with structural approaches is desirable. The role holder must be able to demonstrate their expertise in RNA biology and skills in a variety of laboratory research approaches including molecular biology and tissue culture.

The ideal candidate will contribute their existing expertise while also being willing to learn new approaches and expand into new biological topics, and will support the team's research activities by contributing to the training and supervision of less experienced laboratory members.

The role holder will be expected to manage their own research and administrative activities, including data collection and analysis, methods development, interaction with core facilities, and coordination of multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines. The successful candidate will work independently while interacting well within a dynamic, multidisciplinary team environment.

The closing date for applications is 31 August 2026, with interviews taking place in September (dates to be confirmed).

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 24 months in the first instance.

For informal enquiries please contact Dr Ben Nicholson ([e-mail]).

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.