University of Cambridge
Top university
Just Landed
Posted Yesterday
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Nucleic Acid Computing and Molecular Programming University of Cambridge in United Kingdom
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Biochemistry
Funding
Available
Deadline
Nov 20, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Cambridge
Apply for this position
Keywords
Suggested positions
About this position
This 2-year postdoctoral position is based in the laboratory of Dr Gamze Gürsoy at the University of Cambridge, with day-to-day experimental work carried out in the Department of Genetics. The project sits at the interface of biochemistry, molecular biology, biomolecular engineering, and synthetic biology, and focuses on building programmable molecular systems for genome engineering and genetic privacy.
The researcher will develop programmable nucleic-acid systems that detect defined human genomic sequences and transform those recognition events into engineered DNA outputs. The aim is to create molecular systems that can measure useful genetic information while reducing direct exposure of the underlying genomic sequence. The work involves designing, building, experimentally validating, and iteratively improving these systems, with an emphasis on robust and multiplexed applications.
This is a strongly hands-on wet-lab role. The successful candidate will spend most of their time at the bench designing, constructing, and troubleshooting novel molecular systems, rather than simply applying established protocols. They will also analyse quantitative experimental data to assess assay performance, identify failure modes, compare alternative designs, and guide the next round of experiments.
The postholder will join an interdisciplinary environment spanning molecular biology, synthetic biology, computational biology, applied mathematics, and genomic privacy. They will contribute to the wider research group, support graduate student research skills, take part in seminars and workshops, and have opportunities to develop independent research directions within the programme.
Funding details
Available
What's required
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. Candidates should have strong experimental problem-solving ability and evidence of creative, design-driven molecular thinking, especially around nucleic-acid sequence, structure, molecular recognition, enzymatic activity, and function. Experience in all desirable areas is not expected.
How to apply
Apply through the Academic Jobs Online portal using the provided application link. Review the Further Particulars, especially page 4, for the full essential and desirable criteria before submitting your materials. Ensure your application demonstrates relevant experimental nucleic-acid systems experience and research fit.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.