Research Associate (Fixed Term)

Cambridge Service Alliance; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution is seeking a motivated postdoctoral fellow to develop models of insulin and leptin resistance at the University of Cambridge. The successful candidate will possess a PhD in a relevant field and will engage in innovative research with a pathway to scientific publications and collaboration in a dynamic environment. This fixed-term position involves both virtual and onsite collaboration, offering excellent career development opportunities.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field is required.
• Experience with stem cell-derived neuronal models preferred.
• Strong ability in data analysis and presentation.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute research projects for target discovery.
• Analyze and present experimental data.
• Optimize assays for cellular models.

Skills

Analytical skills

Experimental design

Data interpretation

Written communication

Verbal communication

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology, or related field

Job description

Overview

The group of Florian Merkle is seeking an outstanding postdoctoral fellow to help develop models of insulin and leptin resistance in human neurons. This collaborative project is funded by NovoNordisk, providing an exciting opportunity to work with colleagues who have access to large-scale screening facilities and expertise in target discovery and drug development. In this role, your work will provide insights into metabolic disease to facilitate the discovery of new therapeutic targets and the ultimate aim of developing novel treatments for diabetes and insulin resistance.

Your project will focus on cell populations in the hypothalamus essential for regulating food intake, which we can reliably generate from human pluripotent stem cells. These cells closely resemble their counterparts in the brain in their morphology, patterns of gene expression, and functional responses to nutrients, hormones, and drugs. We will study their responses to the hormones insulin and leptin, and develop in vitro models of insulin resistance and leptin resistance. These models have the potential to reveal insights into basic biology and may generate platforms for therapeutic discovery with real-world impact on patients suffering from obesity and diabetes.

This position will be based at the University of Cambridge in the Department of Pharmacology and will involve regular virtual and physical meetings with our collaborators at the NovoNordisk Research Centre Oxford. The group is affiliated with the Institute of Metabolic Science and Cambridge Stem Cell Institute. This project represents an outstanding opportunity for a highly motivated applicant with a PhD in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology, or a related field to build their career. Please see Further Particulars for more details about the role specification.

Responsibilities and expectations

• Plan and execute research projects to facilitate target discovery at scale in a fast-paced dynamic environment.
• Analyse, interpret, visualise, and present experimental data to the leadership team.
• Optimize and validate assays for measuring signal transduction in cellular models.
• Ensure that projects are delivered on time and on budget.
• Stay up to date with the latest scientific literature and technological advances in the field to apply best practices and innovative approaches.
• Author technical reports, patents, and scientific publications related to research findings.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with academic and pharma partners verbally and in writing.

Qualifications

• PhD in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology, or a related field.
• Experience with human pluripotent stem cell-derived neuronal models preferred.
• Strong analytical, experimental design, and data interpretation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with cross-disciplinary teams.

Application process and logistics

Applications including 1) a full CV, 2) a cover letter describing your suitability and reasons for your interest in this position should be submitted online. Proposed start date: 17 November 2025, with some flexibility. Fixed Term: funds for this post are available for 12 months in the first instance, with likelihood of extension when project milestones are hit. Click the Apply button below to register an account with our recruitment system and apply online. Informal enquiries about the position can be made to Dr Florian Merkle, [e-mail]. For enquiries about the online application process, please contact the HR Team, [e-mail]. Please quote reference PL47283 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.