Research Assistant - Bonfio Group (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge - Department of Biochemistry

We are seeking to recruit a Research Assistant to work on a new project in the Bonfio laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, UK. The project will push the bounds of catalytic nucleic acid chemistry, exploring pathways by which ribozymes and primitive membranes could have interacted on early Earth.

Research in the Bonfio Laboratory focuses on the chemical origins and properties of early lipid membranes and compartments. Link - https://www.bioc.cam.ac.uk/research/faculty/claudia-bonfio.

The position would suit an ambitious and talented graduate who has completed an Undergraduate Degree in Biochemistry or Biophysics, and is keen to gain further laboratory research experience.

The key responsibilities of the post will be conducting an independent research project, assisting with projects ongoing in the lab, and contributing to lab organisation and general lab duties.

The ideal candidate will have a strong aptitude for scientific research, a desire to learn and perfect new techniques, excellent communication and team work skills. Previous laboratory experience in nucleic acid biochemistry is essential; knowledge of membrane biophysics is desirable. More specialised training will be provided throughout.

Applicants should submit a CV citing relevant experience, a cover letter explaining why they are suitable for the position and contact information for at least two referees.

The successful candidate would be expected to start at the beginning of October 2026. This is a full-time position for 3 years in the first instance, with the possibility of carrying out a PhD (subject to all admission criteria for postgraduate students being fulfilled) from October 2026 in a parallel to this role.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available from 1st October 2026 until 30th September 2029, in the first instance.