Biology Postdoc Researcher at University of Cambridge, UK | Nucleic Acid Computing and Molecular Programming
Could programmable molecular systems help researchers measure genetic information while limiting exposure of the underlying DNA sequence? This Biology Postdoc Researcher opportunity at the University of Cambridge explores that question through experimental nucleic-acid engineering. The two-year position in Dr Gamze Gürsoy’s laboratory focuses on designing, building, and testing molecular systems, with day-to-day research based in the Department of Genetics.
- Position: Postdoctoral Research Associate in Nucleic Acid Computing and Molecular Programming
- Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Experimental Base: Department of Genetics
- Principal Investigator: Dr Gamze Gürsoy
- Reference Number: LE51105
About The University and Research Group
Dr Gürsoy’s research programme connects biochemistry, molecular biology, biomolecular engineering, and synthetic biology with genetic privacy. Although her primary academic appointment is in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, the successful candidate will work in her wet laboratory within the Department of Genetics.
Biology Postdoc Researcher Role Description
The researcher will develop programmable nucleic-acid systems that recognize defined human genomic sequences and convert that recognition into engineered DNA outputs. The broader aim is to measure useful genetic information while limiting direct exposure of genomic sequences.
This is primarily a hands-on, experimental wet-lab position. The role requires designing and troubleshooting new molecular systems, analyzing experimental performance, and using findings to improve subsequent designs.
Biology Postdoc Researcher – Key Responsibilities
- Design, construct, experimentally validate, and improve programmable nucleic-acid systems.
- Develop approaches towards robust, multiplexed applications.
- Analyze assay performance, identify failure modes, and compare alternative molecular designs.
- Plan and manage research activities and associated administration, with PI guidance as needed.
- Contribute to graduate students’ research skills.
- Participate in seminars, workshops, and interdisciplinary collaborations.
- Develop independent research directions and pursue fellowship funding with mentorship from the PI.
Educational Requirements and Eligibility
Applicants should hold, or be close to completing, a PhD in one of the following experimental fields:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Chemical Biology
- Bioengineering
- Synthetic Biology
- Biotechnology
- A closely related discipline
Skills and Qualifications For Biology Postdoc Researcher
- Essential: Demonstrated hands-on experience designing and experimentally testing nucleic-acid systems beyond routine or predominantly kit-based molecular biology.
- Ability to connect nucleic-acid sequence, structure, molecular recognition, enzymatic activity, and function with experimental design.
- Strong experimental problem-solving and molecular-system troubleshooting skills.
- Ability to interpret quantitative experimental data and use it to guide design improvements.
- Capacity to work independently and contribute to interdisciplinary research.
Selection Focus: Creative, design-driven molecular thinking is particularly valued. Applicants are not expected to have experience in every area listed in the full selection criteria.
Research and Career Development
The position offers opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, independent research development, and fellowship applications, supported by PI mentorship. Salary and specific benefits are not stated in the supplied posting.
Biology Postdoc Researcher – Application Documents
Submit through the online recruitment system:
- Full CV.
- Description of recent research, maximum three pages.
- Contact details, including email addresses, for two academic referees.
At least one referee must be contactable throughout selection and ready to submit a reference promptly when requested.
Application Details
- Contract Duration: Two years, fixed-term.
- Interviews: Shortly after the closing date.
- Work Eligibility: Employees must be eligible to live and work in the UK.
- Scientific Enquiries: [email protected].
- Application Enquiries: [email protected].
- Application Reference: Quote LE51105 in your application and correspondence.
Interested in a Biology Postdoc Researcher role where molecular design becomes a working experimental system? This Cambridge opportunity combines nucleic-acid engineering with research into genetic privacy. If your doctoral work demonstrates creative experimental design and strong hands-on skills, consider applying.
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