Summary
The University of Warwick is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the laboratory of Professor Satyajit Mayor within the Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology (CMCB) and the Warwick Biomedical Sciences Directorate at Warwick Medical School.
Research Fellow in Membrane Biophysics (Job Ref: 111600-0526)
This research project explores the crosstalk between proteins and membrane lipid organisation in health and disease using interdisciplinary approaches at the intersection of cell biology, biochemistry, synthetic biology, imaging, biophysics, and non-equilibrium active matter theory. The role involves close collaboration with leading international research groups, including Professor Jay Groves (UC Berkeley) and Professor Madan Rao (NCBS-TIFR Bangalore).
Designation
- Primary Designation: Research Fellow (Grade 6)
- Note on PhD Status: Candidates near submission or awaiting conferral will be appointed at Research Assistant level (Grade 5, top spinal point: £34,610 p.a.) and promoted to Research Fellow (£35,608 p.a.) upon official award of the PhD.
Key Position Details
| Attribute | Details |
| Job Title | Research Fellow in Membrane Biophysics |
| Job Reference | 111600-0526 / 4216 |
| Institution | University of Warwick |
| Faculty / Department | Warwick Medical School — Biomedical Sciences Division / Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology (CMCB) |
| Location | Coventry, West Midlands, United Kingdom |
| Salary Range | £35,608 – £46,049 per annum (Grade 6) |
| Contract Type | Fixed-Term Contract (2 Years) |
| Working Pattern | Full-Time |
| Closing Date | 23 August 2026 |
Research Area
- Primary Domains: Membrane Biophysics, Single-Molecule Biophysics, and Mechanobiology.
- Specialized Topics: Lipid-protein interactions, non-equilibrium membrane dynamics, active matter physics, advanced optical imaging, and computational/simulation modeling of biological membranes.
Location
- Location: University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Campus, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom (housed in the Mechanochemical Cell Biology building with access to state-of-the-art imaging and biomedical facilities).
Eligibility & Qualifications
Essential Requirements:
- Education: An Honours degree (or equivalent) and a PhD (awarded or near completion) in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Biophysics, or a closely related field.
- Experimental Expertise: Hands-on experience in experimental biology, with specific technical proficiency in membrane biophysics or single-molecule biophysics.
- Computational Skills: Proficiency in programming/coding and experience using standard computer simulation packages or data analysis pipelines.
- Knowledge Breadth: Demonstrated understanding of membrane biophysics, single-molecule methods, active matter physics, or polymer physics.
- Track Record: A strong scientific interest supported by evidence of published (or in-press) research in membrane dynamics and/or experimental biophysics.
- Soft Skills: Excellent documentation, project management, and scientific communication abilities, with the capacity to work both independently and collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams.
Job Description & Responsibilities
- Research & Discovery: Design, execute, and lead high-level experimental biophysical and imaging investigations examining protein and lipid dynamics in cell membrane models and live systems.
- Interdisciplinary Integration: Work across disciplines (biochemistry, synthetic biology, soft matter physics, and computational modeling) to integrate experimental results with theoretical frameworks.
- Collaborative Research: Liaise actively with internal teams at the CMCB Cellular Interface Cluster and external collaborative teams at UC Berkeley and NCBS Bangalore.
- Data Analysis & Simulation: Employ computational pipelines, coding tools, and simulations to model membrane organization and analyze complex experimental data sets.
- Publication & Dissemination: Write and submit scientific manuscripts for publication in high-impact international journals and present research findings at national and international conferences.
- Mentorship & Lab Citizenship: Assist in the day-to-day operations of the lab, contribute to safe laboratory practices, and support the supervision of postgraduate and undergraduate students.
How to Apply
- Online Submission: Submit your application directly through the University of Warwick Careers Portal.
- Required Documents: Complete the online application form and upload an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV) along with a cover letter outlining your research experience and suitability against the person specification.
- Informal Inquiries: For informal questions regarding the research project and role, you can contact Professor Satyajit Mayor directly via email at
Satyajit.Mayor@warwick.ac.uk.
Last Date for Apply
- Application Deadline: 23 August 2026 (23:59 BST)
