Research Associate - Luisi Group (Fixed Term)
Applications are invited for a short-term Research Associate position in the Department of Biochemistry of the University of Cambridge, UK. The successful applicant will work to support the research activities in the laboratory of Professor Ben Luisi, to study transmembrane transport mechanisms in bacteria.
The role of the postholder will be to develop a challenging project for new approach to capture and structurally characterise transmembrane transport systems in Gram-negative bacteria. The researcher will be expected to have experience in basic microbiology. The researcher is also expected to have experience with protein purification and structural studies using x-ray crystallography or electron microscopy.
The position would suit an ambitious and talented researcher who is keen to gain research experience in an international academic environment. The main focus of the post is to develop a research project in bacterial membrane protein assemblies. We are a highly interactive group, very keen on teaching to students from undergraduate to postgraduate level. In addition to a strong aptitude for scientific research, the ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills and will fit in well in a team. A PhD degree in Biochemistry or Molecular Biology and previous research experience would be essential for the position.
Applicants should submit a CV citing relevant experience, a cover letter explaining why they are suitable for the position and contact information for at least two referees
Fixed-term: Funds are available from 01/02/2026, until 01/10/2026, in the first instance.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Ben Luisi via bfl20@cam.ac.uk.
For queries regarding the application process, please contact the Biochemistry HR Team via: personnel@bioc.cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference PH47300 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.
AstraZeneca PhD studentship (Fixed Term)
Applications are invited for a fully funded 4-year PhD studentship based in the Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, and the new AstraZeneca Discovery Centre in Cambridge. The project will be jointly supervised by Dr Susanne Bornelöv (Biochemistry; https://www.sblab.uk) and Dr Lukas Westlake (AstraZeneca), and the successful applicant will have the opportunity to work across both sites.
The project sits at the interface of cell line engineering, protein science and machine learning and you will receive advanced training in these areas while developing methods to accelerate protein expression for biomedical applications.
Project details: Protein expression and purification remain fundamental bottlenecks in biomedical research and drug discovery. Current approaches are time-consuming and often fail to express target proteins at sufficient levels. In this project, you will investigate whether mammalian cell lines can be genetically altered to enhance expression of challenging proteins. Moreover, you will determine whether the success of such alternations depends on protein family and on mRNA characteristics such as codon optimality.
You will construct a panel of engineered cell lines and collect high-throughout measurements of corresponding mRNA and protein levels for several protein targets. Ultimately, you will use these data to develop Matchmaker, a machine learning framework for matching novel protein targets with their optimal expression conditions. Altogether, this project will provide new insights into the mechanisms limiting expression of challenging proteins and how to overcome these barriers.
Candidate & eligibility: We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual able to think critically and to work both independently and as part of a team. You should have or expect to obtain a first or upper second-class degree in a relevant subject from a UK university, or equivalent standard abroad. Prior research experience, for instance in molecular biology, eukaryotic cell culturing and protein science would be a plus, but is not essential. Most important is that you are excited to learn new skills and grow as an independent researcher.
This position is open to UK citizens or overseas students who meet the UK residency requirements (home fees), or are able to augment the funds to cover the extra costs associated with international student fees through scholarships or funding schemes. Students will not be allowed to supplement fees via self funding.
Funding: This four-year studentship covers University composite fees (at home fees rate), a stipend (£21,500/year) and dedicated consumables and travel budgets.
Application process: Apply for a PhD in Biochemistry via the University's Applicant Portal (https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/blbcpdpbc). Quote the project title and supervisor (Dr Susanne Bornelöv) and select Michaelmas Term 2026 (October 2026). Your application should include academic transcripts, CV (max two pages), statement of interest, and two academic references (submitted by the deadline). The application portal will also ask for a research proposal, however, since the project is already defined, you may copy the project details from this advert. Please ensure you explain why you wish to pursue a PhD in this area, outline your research interests and background, and describe the skills and research experiences you will bring to the role within your statement of interest.
Deadline: The closing date is 31st October 2025 with interviews held in November.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The University values teamwork, diversity, and a supportive research culture, enabling students to thrive and achieve internationally recognised research excellence.
For informal enquiries, contact Dr Susanne Bornelöv (smb208@cam.ac.uk), or pg-entry@bioc.cam.ac.uk for questions about the application process.
Please quote reference PH47279 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Biophysics Technical Lead
Applications are invited for a newly created position of Biophysics Technical Lead working in the Biophysics Facility to underpin our world-class studies in molecular biophysics, which includes the latest optical tweezers technology. This thriving facility is housed in the Department of Biochemistry Sanger Building on the Old Addenbrookes Site in Cambridge City Centre, serving researchers across the Schools of the Biological and the Physical Sciences as well as academics from further afield and local biotechnology companies. The role will maximise the efficient and effective delivery of research projects by providing high level instrument support, advice, training, maintenance and a welcoming environment for this diverse group of scientists.
We are seeking a technical scientist with an excellent underpinning knowledge of Biophysics theory and experience of at least one current specialist technology used in this field. The scientist will be expected to learn new techniques rapidly, apply them and support training at the cutting edge of the subject area with appropriate support. Evidence of excellent communication skills and a self-motivated approach to ongoing personal training and development is therefore vital. The role will be outward facing to a wide variety of groups and expected to interact effectively with users, both in identifying new transformative technologies and in supporting current ones. In the longer-term there are significant opportunities to develop high levels of responsibility and expertise within the role and the appointee will have excellent prospects for career development and progression as a Research Technical Professional.
The academic vision of the School of the Biological Sciences is to provide sustainable support for world-class science, promoting collaboration and interaction across traditional Departmental and Institute boundaries and removing barriers to access by providing user-appropriate training. The role holder will work closely with the existing team consisting of an academic lead (Dr Katherine Stott), research group funded postdocs, technicians and administrators to provide proactive support that will evolve and refresh concurrently with the scientific needs of the user community.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Interviews are scheduled to take place on Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th October 2025.
Informal discussions are welcome; please contact Dr Katherine Stott via email: ks123@cam.ac.uk
For any further assistance with the application process, please contact the Biochemistry HR team via email: personnel@bioc.cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference PH47224 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.
Departmental HR Manager
The Department of Biochemistry, a large and flourishing academic community that enjoys a world-class reputation for both teaching and research, is embedded in the School of the Biological Sciences. An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and efficient Human Resources specialist to join us as Departmental HR Manager - a key member of the Department's excellent Professional Services team.
Based in the Department's friendly Hopkins Building, and reporting to the Departmental Administrator & General Manager, the successful candidate will join a dynamic and dedicated team of professional services and support staff to underpin the Department's performance and reputation as a modern, progressive academic teaching and research institution.
A committed and enthusiastic self-starter, the successful candidate will provide a full range of dedicated HR support services to the Department. This includes providing clear and accurate advice, leading recruitment processes, managing probation and appraisal procedures, carrying out senior level general administration using the University's HR systems and undertaking payroll related duties. The role advises departmental staff on visa requirements and provides advice to managers and staff on employee relations matters in line with the University policies and procedures, as appropriate.
Educated to degree level or equivalent, the ideal candidate will be able to work on their own initiative, be well organised in prioritising their work, be flexible in their approach and have excellent communication and IT skills along with a strong sense of team playing and working flexibly across a varied workload. With a high level of personal resilience and a calm, problem-solving approach, they will have a strong understanding of the need for confidentiality, maintaining professionalism and discretion in all undertakings. A CIPD or equivalent qualification would be advantageous.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Interviews are scheduled to take place on Monday 20th October 2025.
Informal discussions are welcome; please contact Dr Katherine Wallington via email: DA@bioc.cam.ac.uk
For any further assistance with the application process, please contact the Biochemistry HR team via email: personnel@bioc.cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference PH47238 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.
Research Associate - Stott Group
We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to join the molecular biophysics group led by Dr Katherine Stott at the Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, to study DNA and chromatin condensation by linker histone proteins. This project, which is funded by the BBSRC, is an exciting opportunity to use the latest biochemical, biophysical and structural biology methods to uncover the molecular mechanisms underpinning gene activity at a fundamental level.
The role holder will join a team of postdocs and students with whom they will work closely and collaboratively, while leading their side of the project. The role holder will need to demonstrate high skill levels in at least two of the following: (i) molecular biology, (ii) molecular biophysics, or (iii) structural biology (solution- or solid-state NMR, or Cryo-EM), along with a demonstrably high level of engagement and aptitude to learn new techniques (full training will be provided, where necessary). An active interest in intrinsically disordered proteins, condensates and/or chromatin biology is advantageous but not essential, as is prior experience with optical tweezers.
The Stott group shares physical research space with the Biophysics Facility, and has close links with the solution-state NMR and Cryo-EM facilities in the same building; the research environment is therefore rich in both instrumentation and local expertise. The group also has active collaborations with solid-state NMR and SAXS experts, and polymer physicists, with whom the role holder will be expected to engage on a regular basis.
Candidates should hold a PhD in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biophysics or another relevant subject.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31/12/2028, in the first instance.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
For any informal enquiries, please contact Dr Katherine Stott via: ks123@cam.ac.uk
For queries regarding the application process, please contact: personnel@bioc.cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference PH47220 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.
Research Assistant - Hollfelder (Fixed Term)
We are pleased to invite applications for an opportunity to work as a Research Assistant under the supervision of Professor Florian Hollfelder, in the Department of Biochemistry. We have two full-time positions available for this role.
The project is aimed at discovery of novel catalytic peptides and proteins, with an emphasis on the fundamental principles that define the origin of life. To this end ultrahigh throughput screening in microfluidic droplets will be used to find new functional ppetides and proteins in large person-made and nature-inspired libraries, followed by analysis of their features (e.g. catalytic promiscuity and conformational diversity) that first give rise to 'evolvability' and subsequently to efficiency. Deep sequence datasets from droplet screening will be interpreted using machine learning/AI approaches and, together with classical physical-organic/structural/mechanistic approaches, teach us where in sequence space novel solutions for sustainable biocatalysis can be harvested.
Candidates should hold a BSc degree in Biochemistry or another relevant subject.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 6 months in the first instance.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Informal enquiries are welcome to be sent to Professor Florian Hollfelder via: fh111@cam.ac.uk
For queries regarding the application process, please contact: personnel@bioc.cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference PH46887 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.
Research Assistant- Twigger Group (Fixed Term)
The Cambridge Lactation Laboratory (https://www.cambridgelactationlab.com/) is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Research Assistant to support the Cambridgeshire Multiomics of Milk (CAMB MOM) study. Join a dynamic and growing research group in the Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, under the leadership of Dr Alecia-Jane Twigger. The team is passionate about women's and infant health and specializes in both experimental (wet lab) and bioinformatic (dry lab) research. Within the group, we will provide you with further training in these disciplines. We would also support interested candidates to pursue postdoctoral studies (i.e. PhD).
The CAMB MOM study conducts multiomics analyses (lipidomics, metabolomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics) on samples from a cohort of breastfeeding participants in Cambridgeshire. The insights gained from gene-gene interaction networks will be tested using in vitro mammary organoid models and integrated into computational models. By investigating the molecular pathways of human milk production, we aim to resolve breastfeeding challenges and promote optimal long-term health for mothers and infants.
Candidate Requirements:
We seek a competent individual with excellent laboratory skills in building computational models and some wet lab experience. Preferred qualifications include: -Knowledge of BMA executable models -Experience with molecular analysis (e.g. RNA extraction and purification) and cell culture -The ideal candidate will demonstrate responsibility, initiative, independent thinking, and possess excellent communication and organizational skills. The ability to work effectively both individually and within a diverse team are highly desirable.
Key Responsibilities
Supporting Study Sample Collections and Analysis:
-Organize sample collections with research group members and study participants. -Process and store samples for analysis. -Perform pre-processing and quality control on raw lipidomic, metabolomic, proteomic, transcriptomic and genomic data. -Analyse and integrate different 'omics data to understand milk biosynthesis pathways. -Apply machine learning methods and statistical approaches to explore and interpret data. -Organise data and upload datasets to relevant open-source repositories. -Collaborate with local and international partners to compare findings across cohorts.
Laboratory Operations:
-Write up research findings for presentation and publication. -Continually update knowledge and understanding in the field and translate this knowledge of advances in the subject area into research activity.
Qualifications:
-BSc degree (or equivalent) in Biology, Biochemistry, Natural Sciences, or a related field. -Practical research experience.
Why Join Us
Being part of the Cambridge Lactation Laboratory, you will have the opportunity to contribute your ideas to ongoing research. You will be able to engage with an opportunity-rich scientific and clinical research environment within the University of Cambridge and nearby Cambridge Biomedical Campus. You will also have the opportunity to expand your research network, engaging with the wider international research community. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment that promotes intellectual curiosity and scientific excellence. We encourage applications from a diverse group of backgrounds and allow for flexible working hours.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 May 2028 in the first instance.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Informal enquiries are welcome to be sent to Dr Twigger: ajt215@cam.ac.uk
For queries regarding the application process, please contact: personnel@bioc.cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference PH46444 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.
Research Assistant - Deep learning for Genomics (Bornelöv Group)
We are seeking a highly motivated and talented research assistant to join us at the Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, to study gene regulation using deep learning. This is an exciting opportunity to use AI-based methods to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind mRNA processing and fate.
You will be part of a computational team, led by Dr Susanne Bornelöv, which studies the role of codon usage bias in gene regulation using various approaches including machine learning and AI, evolutionary genomics, and sequencing data analysis.
Your project will focus on using deep learning and other statistical and machine learning approaches to reveal how codon usage bias and other mRNA features contribute to gene regulation. The ultimate aim is to gain a precise understanding of how these different properties interact to influence mRNA localisation, stability and translation, as well as protein function. To achieve this, you will use cutting-edge computational approaches, including building in silico models that enable you to systematically probe the effect of differences in codon usage and nucleotide sequence on mRNA fate.
To be successful in this role, you will need experience in deep learning or other machine learning techniques, an ability to drive a project independently, and solid programming/scripting skills. Applicants should have a BSc or MSc degree in a relevant quantitative discipline and ideally some research experience. Prior work involving any aspect of gene regulation, including mRNA transcription, translation or turnover would be beneficial, but is not strictly required. Most importantly we are looking for someone with a strong desire to be part of a team aimed at uncovering fundamental aspects of gene regulation using computational methods.
For more information about the research group, including our most recent publications, please see our website: www.sblab.uk.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 1 year, starting from the successful candidates start date. The starting date is flexible, but suggested to be around September.
Please send applications in the following format: a CV, including full details of all University courses taken with date (with grades if available), a cover letter, and the names and contact details of two academic referees. Please use the cover letter to explain why you are applying for this role, what you will bring to the project, and how you match the essential and desired criteria for the post (please see the Further Particulars document).
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
For any informal enquiries, please contact Dr Susanne Bornelöv via: smb208@cam.ac.uk
For queries regarding the application process, please contact: personnel@bioc.cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference PH46415 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.
