Postdoctoral Research Associate – Disease Models, University of Cambridge, UK

Summary

The University of Cambridge is seeking a talented and highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the research groups of Prof. Patrick Chinnery, Prof. Rita Horvath, and Dr. Jelle van den Ameele at the Department of Clinical Neurosciences. This position is funded through a collaborative Wellcome Discovery Award to characterize novel cellular models of mitochondrial disease, screen for novel nuclear modifiers of disease progression, and investigate how nuclear and mitochondrial DNA defects lead to tissue-specific clinical presentations.

Postdoctoral Research Associate – Molecular and Cellular Biology of Mitochondrial Disease Models

Designation

Postdoctoral Research Associate

(Candidates who have submitted their PhD thesis but have not yet been awarded will initially be appointed as Research Assistant and move to Research Associate upon confirmation of PhD award).

Key Information Overview

Research Area

• Molecular & Cellular Biology
• Mitochondrial & Neuromuscular Disease Models
• Neurogenetics & Rare Diseases
• Stem Cell Biology & Human Organoids
• Functional Genomics & Omics Technologies

Location

Horvath Group, John Van Geest Brain Repair Centre, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom.

Eligibility / Qualification

• Education: A PhD (or near completion/submission) in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, Neuroscience, Biochemistry, or a related biological sciences discipline.
• Experience & Skills:
  • Solid wet-lab foundation with experience in molecular/cellular biology techniques.
  • Experience with stem cell models, functional cell biology assays, or specialized mitochondrial assays is highly advantageous.
  • Motivation to work collaboratively across wet-lab and computational biology disciplines.
  • Strong communication, organizational, and writing skills with a track record of research achievement.
• Right to Work: Candidates must satisfy UK Right to Work requirements.

Job Description

• Research & Disease Modeling: Characterize novel cellular models of mitochondrial disease and apply genetic screening approaches to identify novel nuclear modifiers of disease progression.
• Cutting-Edge Technologies: Conduct functional studies on neuronal and muscle stem cells as well as human organoids.
• Multi-Omics Profiling: Implement RNA sequencing and omics technologies to uncover molecular mechanisms driving tissue-specific manifestations in rare neurological and mitochondrial disorders.
• Bioinformatics & Clinical Translation: Work in synergy with experienced bioinformaticians with opportunities to run independent in-depth bioinformatic analyses; utilize clinical samples from the MitoCamb neurogenetics clinic for translational discoveries.
• Collaborative & Academic Contributions: Contribute to high-impact scientific publications, present findings at conferences, assist in supervising junior researchers, and engage in laboratory management.

How to Apply

1. Visit the official University of Cambridge Job Opportunities portal for reference RR50158.
2. Click the ‘Apply online’ button to register an account with the Cambridge recruitment system.
3. Upload Requirements:
   • Curriculum Vitae (CV): Containing full academic history, publications, and contact details for referees (including your most recent line manager).
   • Covering Letter: Outlining how your skills, experience, and interests match the criteria for this post and why you are applying.
4. Ensure the vacancy reference RR50158 is quoted in your application and any related correspondence.

Last Date to Apply

3 September 2026

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