Research Associate

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Cambridge seeks a passionate postdoctoral research associate in epigenetics and stem cell biology to investigate how cell size influences cell fate decisions in somatic and stem cells.

Based in the Zatulovskiy lab within the Department of Biochemistry, the role involves stem cell maintenance, differentiation protocols, and a spectrum of epigenetics assays, proteomics, transcriptomics, and live-cell imaging. Fixed-term appointment with international collaboration encouraged.

Qualifications

• PhD completed with strong publication record in epigenetics or stem cell biology.
• Experience with stem cell maintenance, differentiation, and related assays.
• Ability to design and conduct quantitative cellular experiments.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects on how cell size biases stem cell fate decisions.
• Apply epigenetic and omics techniques to uncover regulatory mechanisms.
• Collaborate with proteomics, bioinformatics and imaging teams; drive data analysis.

Skills

Epigenetics

Stem cell biology

Quantitative biology

Experimental design

Education

PhD in a related field

Tools

Proteomics

Bioinformatics

Live-cell microscopy

Flow cytometry

Transcriptomics

Job description

The research group of Dr. Evgeny Zatulovskiy at the University of Cambridge is seeking to recruit a passionate and skilled postdoctoral research associate with expertise in epigenetics and stem cell biology and a keen interest in cellular decision-making mechanisms and quantitative biology. Experience in proteomics, bioinformatics and/or mechanobiology is desirable.

The Zatulovskiy lab is an interdisciplinary team dedicated to unravelling the mysteries of animal cell size regulation and cell fate decision mechanisms (visit our website at ). We previously discovered how cell size is tightly controlled in animal cells and demonstrated that cell size can act as an important modulator of many cellular processes in somatic cells (Zatulovskiy et al., Science 2020; Lanz et al., Mol Cell 2022). Our current aim is to further explore the mechanisms and roles of cell size regulation in development, health, and disease. We are looking for a skilled and driven postdoctoral researcher to spearhead a project exploring how cell size influences the epigenetic state and cell fate decisions in somatic and stem cells.

We are seeking an enthusiastic individual who will investigate how cell size biases cell fate decisions in particular, the decisions of stem cells to self-renew or differentiate. The project will involve the use of stem cell maintenance and differentiation protocols, along with a range epigenetics assays, biochemistry, quantitative live-cell microscopy and flow cytometry, as well as proteomics and transcriptomics. The ideal candidate will possess expertise in two or more of these techniques and demonstrate a willingness to learn new methods and concepts. Moreover, a suitable candidate will have completed a PhD and demonstrated a high research impact and extensive experience. We are looking for individuals who can think independently and serve as a driving force for their research projects.

The Zatulovskiy lab is part of the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Cambridge ( ). The University of Cambridge offers a vibrant scientific community, access to cutting-edge research facilities, and numerous collaboration opportunities. In our group, we foster an inclusive, friendly, and supportive environment to help all trainees achieve their scientific and career goals. We strongly encourage international applicants and individuals from under-represented groups to apply.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available from 1st November 2026 until 31st July 2027, in the first instance.

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.