Research Associate

RFCSR; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Cambridge invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Loke Centre for Trophoblast Research (LCTR). This full-time, fixed-term three-year role focuses on human embryo development, lineage specification, and cutting-edge single-cell analyses to advance stem cell models and implantation research.

Applicants should hold a PhD in a relevant field and possess strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant subject area.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Experience with single-cell molecular analysis or stem cell models.

Responsibilities

• Develop pioneering research projects in human embryo development.
• Characterize early lineage specification in human embryos and post-implantation stages.
• Apply single-cell analysis, imaging, and functional genomics techniques.
• Develop robust implantation and stem cell models for developmental studies.
• Collaborate in multidisciplinary teams within a dynamic research environment.

Skills

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Single-cell analysis

Imaging

Functional genomics

Stem cell models

Education

PhD in a relevant subject area

Job description

Applications are invited for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the laboratory of Professor Kathy Niakan at the Loke Centre for Trophoblast Research (LCTR), situated within the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge.

This full-time position is offered on a fixed-term contract for three years in the first instance. The successful candidate will help develop pioneering research projects aimed at providing fundamental insights into human biology and informing novel strategies for stem cell biology and post-implantation development of human embryos.

Key research responsibilities and project focus areas include:

Characterizing early lineage specification in human pre- and early post-implantation embryos.

Exploring a range of methods to establish robust and reproducible cutting-edge single-cell molecular analysis, imaging, functional genomics techniques, and stem cell models.

Utilizing findings to facilitate the development of robust and reproducible implantation models, novel human stem cells, and stem cell-based models of human development.

Performing comparative analysis of human embryogenesis relative to several other mammalian species, pluripotent stem cells, and integrated stem cell models of human embryos.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) and a security check. Visa application support is available if assistance is needed to satisfy UK right-to-work requirements.

Eligibility Criteria:

Must hold a PhD in a relevant subject area.

Eligibility to live and work in the UK (conditional upon gaining required permission to work in the UK; visa application support is available).

Required Expertise / Skills:

Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills.

Demonstrated focus, productivity, and a strong drive to work in a congenial, dynamic, and collaborative research environment.

Knowledge and technical experience applicable to single-cell molecular analysis, imaging, functional genomics, or stem cell models in early human and mammalian development.

Salary Details: £33,002 to £46,049 per annum

Application Deadline: Midnight on 13th September 2026 (Placed on 3rd August 2026)

Application Submission Materials: Applicants must submit a CV, a motivation letter detailing why they want to join the project and how the position aligns with their career trajectory, and contact details for two professional referees. Please quote reference PM50266 on your application.