Research Associate (Fixed Term) – University of Cambridge, UK

Summary

The Department of Physics (Cavendish Laboratory) at the University of Cambridge is inviting applications for a Research Associate position within Dr. Diana Fusco’s research group. The project investigates how internal host-cell physiological constraints and external chemical environments shape phage life-history traits using a combination of microfluidic (“mother machine”) experiments and agent-based computational modeling.

Designation

Research Associate (Fixed Term)

Key Overview

Research Area

• Biophysics & Quantitative Biology: Phage-bacteria interactions, single-cell microfluidics (mother machine experiments), burst size and lysis time distribution analysis, and agent-based computational/theoretical modeling.

Location

Department of Physics, Cavendish Laboratory

Maxwell Centre, JJ Thomson Avenue,

Cambridge, CB3 0US, United Kingdom

Eligibility & Qualifications

• Required:
  • Holds (or is close to obtaining) a PhD in Physics or a closely related quantitative/biological discipline.
  • Proven track record in developing theoretical and computational models to study phage-bacteria interactions.
  • Practical experience in designing, performing, and analyzing mother machine (microfluidic) experiments.
  • Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
  • Ability to co-supervise PhD and Master’s students.
• Desirable:
  • Proven track record of leading research projects independently.

Job Description

• Investigate how host cell internal physiological constraints and external chemical environments dictate the distribution of phage life history parameters.
• Leverage microfluidic “mother machine” platforms to measure single-cell lysis times and burst size distributions under controlled conditions.
• Construct and simulate agent-based models to capture experimental heterogeneity.
• Analyze experimental and computational data, present findings, and publish research in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Assist in the co-supervision of postgraduate (PhD and Master’s) researchers and collaborate across the laboratory.

How to Apply

1. Visit the official University of Cambridge recruitment portal and click Apply Online.
2. Register an account (if you do not have one) and complete the online application form.
3. Required Documents:
   • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
   • Cover Letter(Note: Do not upload unrequested additional documents, as they will not be considered).
4. Always quote reference KA50725 in your application and any correspondence.
5. Inquiries:
   • Vacancy/Research Questions: Dr. Diana Fusco (df390@cam.ac.uk)
   • Application Process Queries: hr@phy.cam.ac.uk

Last Date for Apply

31 August 2026 (by midnight UK time)

Link