Internal applications are invited for a full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate to join Dr Irving Aye's lab at the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Cambridge. Our main research interest is in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying human placentation in normal pregnancies and in placenta-related pregnancy complications. To accomplish this, we are also interested in developing novel in vitro models to study cell-cell interactions. This exciting opportunity is funded by the Medical Research Council and work in the Aye lab is funded by additional grants from the MRC and the Evelyn Trust.
The post-holder must hold a PhD or MD/PhD in cell biology, biochemistry, reproductive biology or a closely related field and have proven track record of success in biomedical research. The post-holder will be responsible for running their own research projects and will collaborate with PhD students, research assistants and other post-docs both within the lab and across Cambridge. The post-holder will be supported to develop their own project within the lab's research theme.
Current work in the lab utilises state-of-the-art in vitro cultures (e.g., stem cells, primary cells, co-cultures, organoids), gene targeting approaches (Crispr/Cas9, sh/siRNA, overexpression), advanced molecular biology methods (e.g. bulk and single cell RNA-seq, methylation-seq, 6-letter-seq, ChIP-seq), fluorescence microscopy and metabolism assays (LC-MS, Seahorse Bioanalyzer). In vitro findings may be complemented by mouse models of placenta-specific gene manipulation to establish the physiological relevance, and the use of clinical samples to answer questions of clinical significance.
Key responsibilities:
- Developing and driving research objectives, including experimental design
- Expertise in cell culture, immunohistochemistry, western blotting, RT-PCR, wet-lab sequencing protocols and other molecular biology techniques
- Culturing human trophoblast stem cells, organoids and primary tissues
- Assisting with supervising related PhD research projects
- Preparation of text, tables and figures for publication, preparing presentations and grant applications
The position is based in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (https://www.obgyn.cam.ac.uk/) University of Cambridge. We are affiliated with the Centre for Trophoblast Research (https://www.trophoblast.cam.ac.uk/) and the Stem Cell Institute (https://www.stemcells.cam.ac.uk/) and collaborate widely with groups within Cambridge and abroad.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available six months in the first instance, with a possibility to renew for an additional six months.
Informal enquiries are encouraged and can be made to Dr Irving Aye: ia319@medschl.cam.ac.uk. More information about the lab https://www.ayelaboratory.com/
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Applicants must have (or be close to obtaining) a PhD.
Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5, Point 38 £34,132) moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of your PhD award.
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.
Please quote reference RI51397 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.
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Key information
Department/location
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Salary
£37,694-£46,049
Reference
RI51397
Category
Research
Date published
14 October 2026
Closing date
29 October 2026