Research Associate (Fixed Term)

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in cellular biophysics in the group of Prof. Ewa Paluch. The Paluch lab studies cellular morphogenesis combining cell and molecular biology, quantitative imaging and biophysical approaches to investigate cell shape changes in cultured cells, embryoid models, and in vivo. Current projects in the lab include investigating the regulation of the mechanical properties of the cellular actin cortex, the biomechanics of cell division, and the coupling between cell shape, cell mechanics and state during cellular transitions.

The successful candidate will conduct fundamental research aimed at understanding the biomechanical basis of cell shape changes associated with mitotic exit in mammalian cells. The aims of the project are 1) to determine the functional differences between mitotic and post-mitotic cortices using optogenetic tools and mechanical measurements, and 2) to use super-resolution microscopy to identify the changes in nanoscale organisation of the cell surface during post-mitotic spreading.

You should hold a PhD (or about to be awarded a PhD) in Cell Biophysics or a related field and have extensive experience with advanced imaging (STORM, SIM, TIRF) and image analysis, coding for image analysis, optogenetics, and cell mechanobiology. Experience imaging cellular actin with electron microscopy will be considered an advantage.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.

Further information on the lab:

https://www.pdn.cam.ac.uk/directory/ewa-paluch

and

https://paluchlab.uk

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for one year in the first instance.

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

To apply for this post, please submit a CV and a motivation letter detailing why you want to be part of this project and how this post will be a good stepping-stone for your career.

We also need the contact details for two people who can provide a professional reference.

Please quote reference PM50981 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.