Research Assistant/Research Associate (Fixed Term)

Cambridge University Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in research and education is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to work on cutting-edge bioelectronic systems. The role involves advanced research tasks, collaboration with engineers and biologists, and focuses on gastrointestinal physiology and its systemic effects. Candidates must have a PhD in enteric neurobiology and strong experimental skills. The position promises a rich research environment and significant contributions to science.

Benefits

World-class facilities

Vibrant research environment

Strong links to clinical and industrial partners

Qualifications

• Strong skills in experimental design and critical thinking.
• Experience training others in ENS biology and techniques.
• Commitment to academic research and impactful science.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development of independent research tasks.
• Manage key experimental setups and collaborate closely.
• Work with a multidisciplinary team in bioelectronics and neurobiology.

Skills

Experimental skills in husbandry

Tissue dissection

In vivo assays

Expertise in ENS-specific techniques

Image analysis proficiency

General research skills

Education

PhD in enteric neurobiology

Tools

Confocal microscopy

Light sheet microscopy

2-photon microscopy

Job description

Overview

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to join the BioElectronic Systems Technology Group and work on the ERC CODEBREAKER project, a cutting-edge initiative aimed at developing a conformal electronic device toolkit to interface with the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and elucidate functional pathways of the gut-brain axis (GBA) in health and disease.

The project will build on recent technological advances in the group to enable unparalleled monitoring of GI function, including enteric nervous system (ENS) activity. Advanced monitoring techniques will be applied across a range of biological models from advanced tissue-engineered systems to perfused ex vivo tissues and in vivo experiments depending on the retention of functionality. These platforms will provide spatio-temporal insights into GI physiology and its systemic effects, with potential applications in diagnostics, therapeutics, and fundamental neuroscience.

Responsibilities

• The PDRA will be expected to contribute to the development of independent research tasks under the project, manage key experimental setups, and collaborate closely with engineers, biologists, and external partners.
• The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team working at the interface of bioelectronics, tissue engineering, and neurobiology. The role will be based in the Department of Chemical Engineering & Biotechnology at the University of Cambridge, under the supervision of Professor Róisín Owens.
• The department offers world-class facilities and a vibrant research environment, with strong links to clinical and industrial partners.

Qualifications and requirements

• PhD in enteric neurobiology.
• A Home Office Personal Licence for mouse work is essential.
• Strong experimental skills including husbandry, tissue dissection, and in vivo assays.
• Expertise in ENS-specific techniques such as gut dissections, physiological assays, immunostaining, spatial transcriptomics, sequencing, electrophysiology, and microscopy is required.
• Experience with confocal, light sheet, and 2-photon microscopy applied to ENS questions is essential, as is proficiency in image analysis.
• A track record of training others in ENS biology and experimental techniques.
• General research skills including experimental design, critical thinking, teamwork, and scientific communication; commitment to academic research and a desire to make a positive impact on science and society.

Additional information

• The PDRA will be appointed as a Research Assistant if the candidate has submitted but not yet received their PhD, with promotion to Research Associate upon award.
• Proposed start date: 1 November 2025.
• Fixed-term: funds for 2 years in the first instance.
• Apply online by clicking the Apply button and registering an account with the recruitment system. Please quote reference NQ47157 in your application and any correspondence.
• 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.