"Research Associate (Fixed Term)"

University of Cambridge - Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience

Location: Central Cambridge

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in cellular biophysics in the group of Prof. Ewa Paluch. The Paluch lab studies cellular morphogenesis combining cell and molecular biology, quantitative imaging and biophysical approaches to investigate cell shape changes in cultured cells, embryoid models, and in vivo. Current projects in the lab include investigating the regulation of the mechanical properties of the cellular actin cortex, the biomechanics of cell division, and the coupling between cell shape, cell mechanics and state during cellular transitions.

The successful candidate will conduct fundamental research aimed at understanding the nanoscale regulation of contractile tension in the actomyosin cortex. The aim of the project is to 1) develop new tools to quantitively characterise actin and myosin organisation at the cortex, and 2) investigate how actin-myosin nanoscale organisation changes during the cortical tension increase associated with mitotic entry.

You should hold a PhD (or about to be awarded a PhD) in Cell Biophysics or a related field and have extensive experience with quantitative imaging and image analysis, and/or cell mechanobiology. Experience investigating cellular actin or with electron microscopy imaging will be considered an advantage.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.

Further information on the lab: https://www.pdn.cam.ac.uk/directory/ewa-paluch and https://paluchlab.uk

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click 'Apply' above.

To apply for this post, please submit a CV and a motivation letter detailing why you want to be part of this project and how this post will be a good stepping-stone for your career.

We also need the contact details for two people who can provide a professional reference.

The closing date for applications is 16th March 2026.

Please quote reference PM48887 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.