15 Postdoctoral Positions at the University of Cambridge, England

As a postdoctoral researcher here, you’ll collaborate with world-renowned faculty, access state-of-the-art facilities, and engage in interdisciplinary projects that address global challenges. Whether your expertise lies in biology, physics, social sciences, or humanities, Cambridge offers a supportive community dedicated to advancing knowledge and fostering intellectual growth.

This guide serves as a gateway for passionate scholars seeking to further their academic careers in one of the world’s foremost educational institutions, renowned for its rich history of scientific discoveries and scholarly achievements.

1. Senior Research Associate/Technologist

The Senior Research Associate/Technologist will collaborate closely with the Blouet group and Disease Model Core (DMC) to advance in vivo metabolic phenotyping. Responsibilities include developing, optimizing, validating, and standardizing protocols integrating peripheral or central optogenetic/chemogenetic manipulations with advanced metabolic, behavioral, and neuroendocrine assessments, as well as surgical models. The role requires integrating new protocols into DMC operations and addressing departmental needs concerning metabolic and nutrient sensing circuits under physiological conditions.

2. Plant-Microbe Interactions in Marchantia and Vascular Plants

This research opportunity expands upon our work with Marchantia liverworts and vascular plants. As the successful candidate, you will investigate Marchantia-microbe interactions and compare them with processes in vascular plants. Your focus will be on understanding tissue-specific mechanisms and plant proteins that influence plant-microbe interactions and plant development.

You will collaborate with postdoctoral researchers studying various aspects of plant-microbe interactions, plant cell biology, and plant development.

Additionally, you will have access to horticultural and technical support, as well as established protocols for colonization and imaging. The opportunity includes working with transgenic microbial and plant lines expressing reporter proteins, providing valuable resources for your research endeavors.

3. Satellite-Based Landslide Monitoring and Early Warning Systems

Landslides pose significant threats, resulting in thousands of fatalities annually, demolishing vital infrastructure, and impeding progress. Due to diverse triggers and extensive vulnerable regions, predicting landslides remains challenging yet imperative.

Satellite-based monitoring for slopes and landslide detection emerges as a viable solution for regional or national-scale early warning systems. This approach utilizes satellite data to monitor and identify potential landslide-prone areas promptly.

Integrating advanced remote sensing technologies enables continuous monitoring, offering crucial time for authorities to implement preventive measures and mitigate risks. By leveraging satellite imagery for real-time analysis, researchers aim to enhance the accuracy and timeliness of landslide forecasts, contributing to proactive disaster management strategies worldwide.

4. Research and Project Development

Duties include developing and conducting individual and collaborative research objectives, proposals, and projects. The role involves planning and managing your own research and administration, with guidance available if needed, and assisting in the preparation of proposals and applications to external funding bodies.

Strong communication skills are essential, as you will need to convey technical material effectively and build internal and external contacts. Additionally, you may assist in supervising student projects, fostering the development of student research skills, and providing instruction.

The role may also involve planning and delivering seminars related to the research area. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to significant research endeavors while enhancing your own academic and professional growth.

5. Research Associate in Developmental Biology and Cancer Research

A full-time Research Associate position is available to work closely with Dr. Sanne van Neerven in Ben Simon’s lab at the Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge. The Simons lab is co-located at the Gurdon Institute, a leading center for developmental biology and cancer research, and the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics. This setting offers a stimulating environment that fosters collaborative and interdisciplinary research. The Gurdon Institute is renowned for its cutting-edge facilities and vibrant scientific community.

The Research Associate will engage in high-impact research, contributing to advancements in developmental biology and cancer studies. The institute’s postdoc association promotes scientific and social interactions and provides numerous career development and teaching opportunities. This role offers the chance to work at the forefront of scientific discovery, alongside leading experts in the field, in an environment that supports both professional and personal growth.

6. High-Throughput Sequencing and Bioinformatics

The project may involve generating and analyzing high-throughput sequencing libraries, such as RNA-seq, ribosome profiling, and tRNA-seq. This data will be integrated with a large pool of existing data. The ideal candidate should have a strong interest in computational approaches, although their primary training may be in molecular biology or biochemistry. This role is an excellent opportunity for those with solid laboratory skills who wish to further develop their computational abilities.

The position offers the chance to learn to analyze unique data resources and master cutting-edge bioinformatics methods. Applicants should possess or be near completion of a PhD in a relevant discipline and have a strong desire to be part of a team focused on uncovering fundamental aspects of gene regulation and genome evolution. This role provides an excellent environment for professional growth, offering exposure to innovative research techniques and collaboration with experts in the field.

7. Machine Learning for Predicting Infectious Disease Outbreaks

This collaborative project with the Department of Computer Science and Technology at the University of Cambridge and the UK Health Protection Agency (UKHSA) aims to investigate the use of machine learning for predicting infectious disease outbreaks. The postholder will initially use data from routine surveillance of respiratory infections to explore different approaches to combining existing ordinary differential equation-based mechanistic infectious disease models with modern deep learning techniques. The goal is to develop predictive models of relevant epidemic data.

The project presents several challenges, including the relative scarcity of relevant training data, which is characteristic of epidemics, and the need to accurately quantify uncertainty in the predictions. The ideal candidate will have experience in machine learning and a strong interest in applying these techniques to public health. This position offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of computer science and epidemiology, contributing to the development of innovative solutions for predicting and managing infectious disease outbreaks.

8. Functional Genomics Screening Scientist

Up to five scientists with an interest in functional genomics are being recruited to join the FGSL screening team. The role involves applying biological expertise in complex cell models to design and implement large-scale arrayed phenotypic screens aimed at target discovery in various disease areas with an unmet need for therapies. This collaborative position will involve working with scientists from MTI, AstraZeneca, and academics, as well as small and medium enterprises from across the UK.

As a key member of this new team, you will have the opportunity to significantly influence the direction of the lab. The ideal candidates should have a strong background in functional genomics and be enthusiastic about working in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment. This role offers the chance to engage in high-impact research, collaborate with leading experts, and contribute to the discovery of new therapeutic targets. It provides an excellent platform for professional growth and the development of innovative solutions to pressing medical challenges.

9. Climate Change Policy and Environmental Governance

This project is a collaboration between the Center for Environment, Energy and Natural Resource Governance (C-EENRG) at the Department of Land Economy, University of Cambridge, and the Energy & Environment Policy Lab at the University of California, Berkeley’s Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management. The Cambridge Principal Investigator (PI) is Professor Laura Diaz Anadon, Professor of Climate Change Policy at the University of Cambridge, Fellow at C-EENRG, and Research Associate at the Belfer Center of Harvard University. The Berkeley PI is Professor Jonas Meckling, Director of the Policy Lab and Climate Fellow at Harvard Business School.

This collaborative project brings together leading experts in climate change policy and environmental governance, offering an exceptional opportunity for a postdoctoral researcher to contribute to cutting-edge research in these fields. The successful candidate will engage in interdisciplinary research, leveraging the strengths of both institutions to address critical issues in climate change and environmental policy.

10. Computational Modelling of Prosthetic Heart Valves

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) position to work on computational modelling of prosthetic heart valves with Dr. Shelly Singh-Gryzbon in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology at the University of Cambridge. Funding is available for a 1-year fixed-term post initially. The aim of the project is to develop and validate computational models and simulations for assessing clinical outcomes of aortic valve replacement procedures.

The research will focus on valve thrombosis, coronary obstruction, and the structural implications of valve-in-valve procedures. The successful candidate will apply advanced computational techniques to model these critical aspects and contribute to improving the understanding and performance of prosthetic heart valves. This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of engineering and healthcare, contributing to innovative solutions in cardiac care. Applicants should have a strong background in computational modelling and a keen interest in biomedical applications.

11. Bayesian Methods in Infectious Disease Epidemiology

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious researcher to join an internationally renowned research unit and a team conducting high-profile work at the forefront of developing and applying Bayesian methods to infectious disease epidemiology. The post-holder will be part of Professor De Angelis’ team within the Population Health Theme at the MRC Biostatistics Unit (MRC-BSU).

Funded by a Wellcome Discovery award in collaboration with the Universities of Oxford and Manchester and the UK Health Security Agency, the project aims to develop new methods to understand community transmission of respiratory infections using data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) COVID-19 Infection Survey (CIS). This position offers the chance to engage in groundbreaking research, leveraging advanced statistical techniques to address critical public health challenges and contribute to the field of infectious disease epidemiology.

12. Modelling Communication Networks for Resilience

The researcher in this role will focus on developing models of communication networks to analyze their dynamic behavior, detect disruptions, and predict their impact on network operations. Additionally, they will devise techniques to enhance network resilience against disruptions. Building upon existing project methodologies, the appointed researcher will be expected to introduce new approaches to address these challenges effectively.

The project integrates techniques from network science, graph signal processing, and game theory. Familiarity and experience in these domains will be advantageous for applicants. Regular engagement with key stakeholders at Boeing is a significant aspect of this role, ensuring alignment with practical industry needs and enhancing the applicability of research outcomes.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in network resilience and communication systems, addressing critical issues in real-world applications. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in advancing methodologies to mitigate disruptions and optimize network performance in dynamic environments.

13. Research Assistant/Associate: Embodied Carbon and Design in the Built Environment

A position is available for a Research Assistant/Associate in the Department of Engineering to contribute to a research grant aimed at advancing our understanding of embodied carbon and design in the built environment. Working closely with Professor Orr, the successful candidate will focus on research in construction and structural engineering, specifically targeting efforts to reduce the whole-life embodied carbon of built assets.

This role builds upon Professor Orr’s previous grants, particularly the “MEICON” project (www.meicon.net), and offers an opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research that addresses crucial environmental challenges in construction. The appointed individual will play a key role in developing innovative approaches and methodologies to minimize carbon footprint throughout the lifecycle of built structures. This position is ideal for candidates passionate about sustainable construction practices and seeking to make a significant impact in the field of engineering and environmental sustainability.

14. III-V Photovoltaic Device Fabrication for Space Applications

Join the Space Photovoltaics research group at the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, supervised by Prof. Louise Hirst, to advance methods for fabricating high-performance III-V photovoltaic devices tailored for space power applications. Responsibilities include developing devices with epitaxially grown III-V films using planar device process techniques.

You will characterize device performance using precise optical and electrical measurements, including dark IV, light IV, EQE, and ellipsometry. Optical and device simulations will be conducted to correlate with measurements, interpret results, diagnose issues, and iteratively enhance device performance.

This role offers an opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in photovoltaic technology, applying your expertise to enhance the efficiency and reliability of solar cells for space missions. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in materials science, device fabrication, and characterization techniques relevant to photovoltaics.

15. Isaac Newton Trust Academic Career Development Fellow in Urban and Regional Economics

The Department of Land Economy and Queens’ College seek to appoint an Isaac Newton Trust Academic Career Development Fellow in Urban and Regional Economics from 1 September 2024, for a three-year term. The Fellow will conduct research in the Department of Land Economy, contribute to teaching, and participate in departmental and Queens’ College activities. Additionally, they will be elected to a Bye-Fellowship at Queens’ College.