Research Assistant / Associate (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in the UK is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in cellular biophysics. The role involves investigating cell shape dynamics and the interplay between cell shape and state during epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Candidates should hold a PhD in Biophysics or a related field and possess extensive experience in relevant areas. The position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in a dynamic lab environment.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience with cell and developmental biophysics, imaging, and image analysis.

Responsibilities

• Conduct fundamental research on cell shape dynamics and EMT.
• Develop computational pipelines for image and physical analysis of cell shape.

Skills

Cell and Developmental Biophysics

Imaging

Image Analysis

Modelling of Biological Processes

Education

PhD in Biophysics

Job description

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in cellular biophysics in the group of Prof. Ewa Paluch. The Paluch lab studies cellular morphogenesis combining cell and molecular biology, quantitative imaging and biophysical approaches to investigate cell shape changes in cultured cells and in vivo. Current projects in the lab include investigating the regulation of the mechanical properties of the cellular actin cortex, the biomechanics of cell division, and the coupling between cell shape and mechanics and cellular state / fate during cellular transitions.

The successful candidate will conduct fundamental research aimed at understanding cell shape dynamics and the cross -talk between cell shape and cell state during epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The aim of the project is to 1) develop computational pipelines for image analysis and physical analysis of cell shape trajectories, and for combined morpho-molecular analysis of cell shape together with molecular markers, and 2) to develop a physical model of cell shape dynamics during EMT.

You should hold a PhD (or about to be awarded a PhD) in Biophysics or a related field and have extensive experience with cell and developmental biophysics, imaging, image analysis, and modelling of biological processes.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.

Further information on the lab:

https://www.pdn.cam.ac.uk/directory/ewa-paluch

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above.

To apply for this post, please submit a CV and a motivation letter detailing why you want to be part of this project and how this post will be a good stepping-stone for your career. We also need the contact details for two people who can provide a professional reference.

The funds for this post are available for 1 years in the first instance.

The closing date for applications is 26th May 2025.

Please quote reference PM45966 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

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.

£32,546 to £45,413 per annum