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Postdoctoral Research Associate x 2 - Bacterial Engineering & Mammalian Cell Systems (Fixed Term)

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Postdoctoral Research Associate x 2 - Bacterial Engineering & Mammalian Cell Systems (Fixed Term)

Postdoctoral Research Associate

2026-04-27

Location

Cambridge

University of Cambridge

Type

Full-time Fixed Term

Start Date

July 2026

Salary

£37,694-£46,049

Required Qualifications

PhD in microbiology, molecular biology, or cell biology
Bacterial genetics, genome engineering, CRISPR
Mammalian cell culture, CRISPR/Cas9, fluorescence microscopy
Independent research design and execution
Collaborative multidisciplinary teamwork

Research Areas

Bacterial Engineering
Mammalian Cell Systems
Synthetic Biology
Microbiology
Host-Microbe Systems
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Postdoctoral Research Associate x 2 - Bacterial Engineering & Mammalian Cell Systems (Fixed Term)

Postdoctoral Research Associate x2 - Bacterial Engineering & Mammalian Cell Systems

https://saljelab.com/

The laboratory of Dr Jeanne Salje at the Cambridge Institute for Medical Research is seeking two talented and highly motivated postdoctoral researchers to join an interdisciplinary research programme at the interface of microbiology, cell biology, and synthetic biology.

These positions will contribute to a collaborative project developing novel intracellular biological systems. The roles will focus on complementary areas: one on bacterial genetic engineering, and the other on engineered mammalian cell systems. Candidates with expertise in either area are encouraged to apply.

Candidate requirements:

  • A PhD in microbiology, molecular biology, cell biology, or a related field
  • Strong experimental skills and experience in laboratory-based research
  • Ability to design and execute independent research projects
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team

In addition, applicants should have expertise in at least one of the following areas:

(A) Bacterial engineering:

  • Bacterial genetics, genome engineering, or molecular microbiology
  • Experience with genetic manipulation techniques (e.g. recombineering, CRISPR, plasmid engineering)

OR

(B) Mammalian cell engineering:

  • Mammalian cell culture and genetic engineering
  • Experience with CRISPR/Cas9 or related genome editing approaches
  • Experience with fluorescence microscopy and/or live-cell imaging

Experience with synthetic biology, host-microbe systems, or complex genetic constructs will be advantageous.

These positions offer an opportunity to work on innovative experimental systems at the interface of microbiology and synthetic biology.

Cambridge Institute for Medical Research is a centre of excellence that has a strong focus on understanding the molecular mechanisms of disease, with the aim of translating basic discoveries to clinically meaningful therapies. It is known for its positive research culture.

This is a full-time, fixed-term position with funding available for 2 years in the first instance, with funding available from July 2026.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

The closing date for applications is: 27th April 2026

The interview for the role is expected to be in May 2026, to be confirmed

Please quote reference SH49293 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.

Apply online

Key information

Department/location

C.I.M.R. Pathology

Salary

£37,694-£46,049

Reference

SH49293

Category

Research

Date published

31 March 2026

Closing date

27 April 2026

Download further information

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Frequently Asked Questions

🎓What qualifications are required for this Postdoctoral Research Associate position?

Candidates must hold a PhD in microbiology, molecular biology, cell biology, or a related field. Strong experimental skills in laboratory research, ability to design and execute independent projects, and collaborative teamwork in multidisciplinary settings are essential. Expertise in bacterial engineering or mammalian cell systems is required. See postdoc opportunities for similar roles.

🔬What expertise is needed for the Bacterial Engineering role?

For the bacterial engineering position, experience in bacterial genetics, genome engineering, or molecular microbiology is key. Proficiency with techniques like recombineering, CRISPR, plasmid engineering is highly desirable. Synthetic biology or complex genetic constructs are advantageous. Explore research jobs for more in microbiology.

🧬What skills are required for the Mammalian Cell Systems position?

The mammalian cell engineering role requires mammalian cell culture and genetic engineering experience, including CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. Fluorescence microscopy and live-cell imaging skills are beneficial. Background in synthetic biology or host-microbe systems is a plus. Check postdoc success tips.

📝How do I apply for this Cambridge postdoc position?

Click 'Apply' to register and submit online via the University's system. Upload a covering letter explaining your fit and a CV. Include referee details (one recent line manager). Quote reference SH49293. Closing date: 27 April 2026. Interviews in May 2026. Visit free cover letter template for guidance.

💰What is the salary, duration, and start date for this role?

Salary: £37,694-£46,049. Duration: 2 years fixed term in the first instance. Funding available from July 2026. Full-time position at the Cambridge Institute for Medical Research. The University supports equality and requires UK work eligibility. More on academic salaries.

🧪What research will these postdocs contribute to?

Join Dr. Jeanne Salje's lab on an interdisciplinary project at the microbiology, cell biology, synthetic biology interface, developing novel intracellular biological systems. Focus on bacterial genetic engineering or engineered mammalian cell systems. Advantageous: host-microbe interactions. Learn more via Salje Lab.
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