Postdoctoral Research Associate in Nucleic Acid Computing and Molecular Programming (Fixed Term)

We invite applications for a 2-year Postdoctoral Research Associate position in Nucleic Acid Computing and Molecular Programming in the laboratory of Dr Gamze Gürsoy at the University of Cambridge.

This is a primarily experimental, wet-lab position. Although Dr Gürsoy's primary academic appointment is in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP), she also runs a wet laboratory in the Department of Genetics, where the successful candidate will be based and conduct their day-to-day experimental research. The position is intended for a researcher with a strong experimental background in synthetic biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or molecular engineering, rather than someone seeking a primarily computational role. 

Our goal is to develop scalable molecular and synthetic biology tools for genome engineering, applying these technologies to the exciting and emerging challenge of genetic privacy. This research brings the design and engineering of programmable molecular systems to develop fundamentally new ways of protecting genetic information. 

The postholder will develop programmable nucleic-acid systems that sense defined human genomic sequences and convert those molecular recognition events into engineered DNA outputs. The broader aim is to develop molecular systems in which useful genetic information can be measured while limiting direct exposure of the underlying genomic sequence. 

The majority of the postholder's time will be spent conducting hands-on experimental research at the bench in the Department of Genetics. We are looking for a researcher who enjoys designing, constructing, and troubleshooting novel molecular systems, rather than simply applying established protocols. The postholder will also engage directly with quantitative data generated by their experiments, analysing assay performance, identifying failure modes, comparing alternative designs, and using these results to guide subsequent experimental iterations. 

The appointee will be expected to plan and manage their own research and administration, with guidance from the PI as required. They will take an active role in the research group, contribute to graduate student research skills, and participate in seminars, workshops, and interdisciplinary collaborations across molecular biology, synthetic biology, computational biology, applied mathematics, and genomic privacy. They will also be encouraged to develop independent research directions and pursue fellowship funding, with mentorship and support from the PI. 

Applicants should possess, or be close to completing, a PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, chemical biology, bioengineering, synthetic biology, biotechnology, or a closely related experimental field.

The essential qualification is demonstrated hands-on experience designing and experimentally testing nucleic-acid systems beyond routine or predominantly kit-based molecular biology. We are particularly interested in candidates who have reasoned explicitly about nucleic-acid sequence, structure, molecular recognition, enzymatic activity, and function, and translated those ideas into new experimental systems. 

Refer to the Further Particulars (page 4) for the full criteria. Experience in all of these areas is not expected.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click 'Apply' above.

Please submit contact details for two academic referees, a full curriculum vitae, and a research description (maximum three pages) via the online application form. Ensure at least one referee is accessible throughout the selection process and is informed that the Mathematics HR Administrator will contact them to upload a reference to the Web Recruitment System.

If you have any queries about the position, please email LE51105@maths.cam.ac.uk.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.