Research Associate - Zatulovskiy Group (Fixed Term)

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

Job summary

University of Cambridge invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Stem Cell Epigenetics/Cell Size Regulation. The project explores how cell size influences epigenetic state and stem cell fate decisions, using stem cell maintenance and differentiation protocols, epigenetics assays, proteomics, transcriptomics, and quantitative live-cell imaging.

The successful candidate will have a PhD in a related field, experience in two or more of these techniques, and a strong record of

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field and a strong publication record.
• Experience with two or more of the listed techniques (epigenetics, stem cells, proteomics, transcriptomics) is expected.
• Interest in cellular decision-making and quantitative biology is essential.

Responsibilities

• Investigate how cell size biases stem cell fate decisions (self-renewal vs differentiation).
• Apply stem cell maintenance and differentiation protocols and various epigenetics assays.
• Utilize proteomics and transcriptomics, biochemistry, quantitative live-cell microscopy and flow cytometry to address research questions.

Skills

Epigenetics

Stem cell biology

Cellular decision making

Proteomics

Bioinformatics

Mechanobiology

Education

PhD in Biochemistry/Cell Biology

Tools

Live-cell microscopy

Flow cytometry

Proteomics

Transcriptomics

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) in Stem Cell Epigenetics/Cell Size Regulation:

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 https://www.zatulovskiylab.org). 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 (https://www.bioc.cam.ac.uk/research/faculty/evgeny-zatulovskiy). 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.

For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Evgeny Zatulovskiy (https://www.bioc.cam.ac.uk/research/faculty/evgeny-zatulovskiy) via [e-mail]

For queries regarding the application process, please contact the Biochemistry HR Team via: [e-mail]

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.