University of Cambridge
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Postdoctoral Research Associate in Nucleic Acid Computing, Molecular Programming, and Genetic Privacy University of Cambridge in United Kingdom
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Biochemistry
Funding
This is a salaried, fixed-term, two-year postdoctoral position with a stated salary of £38,448–£44,352. The post is based at the University of Cambridge; no separate stipend, tuition coverage, or other funding details are specified.
Deadline
Nov 20, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Cambridge
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About this position
The University of Cambridge invites applications for a two-year Postdoctoral Research Associate position in nucleic acid computing and molecular programming, based in the Department of Genetics and associated with Dr Gamze Gürsoy's interdisciplinary laboratory.
This primarily experimental, wet-lab role focuses on synthetic biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biomolecular engineering, and genome engineering. The postholder will develop programmable nucleic-acid systems that sense defined human genomic sequences and convert molecular recognition events into engineered DNA outputs. The broader research goal is to advance genetic privacy by enabling useful genetic information to be measured while limiting direct exposure of the underlying genomic sequence.
Responsibilities include designing, constructing, experimentally validating, and improving programmable molecular systems, extending them toward robust and multiplexed applications, and analysing quantitative assay data to identify failure modes and guide new experimental iterations. The successful candidate will work hands-on at the bench, manage their own research, contribute to graduate student skills development, and participate in seminars, workshops, and collaborations across molecular biology, synthetic biology, computational biology, applied mathematics, and genomic privacy.
Applicants should hold or be close to completing a PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, chemical biology, bioengineering, synthetic biology, biotechnology, or a closely related experimental field. Essential experience includes designing and experimentally testing nucleic-acid systems beyond routine or predominantly kit-based molecular biology, with evidence of creative molecular design and strong experimental problem-solving.
The position is fixed term for two years and offers a salary of £38,448–£44,352. Applications close on 20 November 2026. Candidates should apply online, quote reference LE51105, upload a CV and research description of no more than three pages, and provide details for two academic referees.
Funding details
This is a salaried, fixed-term, two-year postdoctoral position with a stated salary of £38,448–£44,352. The post is based at the University of Cambridge; no separate stipend, tuition coverage, or other funding details are specified.
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. Demonstrated hands-on experience designing and experimentally testing nucleic-acid systems beyond routine or predominantly kit-based molecular biology is essential. Candidates should have experience reasoning about nucleic-acid sequence, structure, molecular recognition, enzymatic activity, and function and translating these concepts into new experimental systems. Creative, design-driven molecular thinking and strong experimental problem-solving are valued. Applicants must provide contact details, including email addresses, for two academic referees, a full curriculum vitae, and a recent research description of no more than three pages.
How to apply
Apply online through the University of Cambridge recruitment system, quoting reference LE51105. Upload a full CV and a research description of no more than three pages, and provide contact details for two academic referees. Informal enquiries may be sent to Dr Gamze Gürsoy at [email protected].
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Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.