University of Cambridge (MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit) Research Associate (Fixed Term) – Engineered Protein Pores for Mitochondrial DNA Delivery 2026 | Cambridge, United Kingdom

The MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit (MRC MBU), University of Cambridge, wishes to appoint a post-doctoral Research Associate (Fixed Term) to the research group of Prof. Edmund Kunji in Cambridge, UK. Closing date for applications is 29 November 2026.

Job Details

Organization: Medical Research Council Mitochondrial Biology Unit (MRC MBU), University of Cambridge

Role: Research Associate (Fixed Term)

Reference: SM51607

Location: Cambridge, UK

Salary: £38,448 – £46,970

Published: 4 November 2026

Closing Date: 29 November 2026

Interviews: Week commencing 14 December 2026

Funding: Funds for the post are available until 30 November 2029 in the first instance.

Project Details

The postholder will contribute to the “Engineered protein pores for delivering DNA into mitochondria” project, funded through the ARIA Precision Mitochondria initiative, which aims to develop and rigorously test new technologies for delivering and functionally using genetic material in mitochondria.

Working with Prof Aleksandra Filipovska (University of Western Australia) and Prof Oliver Rackham (Curtin University), the team aims to build custom protein “pores” that thread DNA from the cytoplasm across both mitochondrial membranes into the matrix, drawing on natural channel proteins and the group’s protein-engineering capability.

Job Description

The postholder will contribute to the “Engineered protein pores for delivering DNA into mitochondria” project within the ARIA Precision Mitochondria initiative.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design and screen protein pores for DNA import into mitochondria.
  • Tune imported genes for efficient expression inside mitochondria and track delivery and expression with molecular and fluorescent reporters.
  • Integrate molecular and functional datasets to support programme milestones.
  • Work closely with collaborators across the ARIA Precision Mitochondria programme.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates should hold, or be close to obtaining, a PhD in a relevant biological discipline.

Appointment at Research Associate level depends on having a PhD. Candidates who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as Research Assistant (Grade 5, Point 38), moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) when the PhD award is confirmed.

Required Skills

Required:

  • Strong experience in mitochondrial, cell, RNA/DNA or molecular biology, biochemistry, membrane protein biology or related areas.
  • Experience in mammalian cell culture and membrane protein complex assembly is important.

Highly advantageous:

  • Experience in mitochondrial isolation/fractionation, bioenergetics, sequencing or single-cell methods, flow cytometry, RNA/DNA biology or quantitative analysis.

Documents Required

  • Covering letter explaining how you meet the criteria
  • CV
  • Details of referees, one of whom must be your most recent line manager

How to Apply

Apply online, uploading a covering letter (explaining how you meet the criteria) and CV, with details of referees, one of whom must be your most recent line manager. Quote reference SM51607.

Informal enquiries: Professor Edmund Kunji ([email protected])

Additional Information

The MBU is part of the School of Clinical Medicine (Athena Swan Silver Award).

CLICK HERE FOR THE ORIGINAL NOTIFICATION / APPLY ONLINE

Closing date for applications: 29 November 2026. Quote reference SM51607 when applying online.