University of Cambridge
Research Assistant (Fixed Term)
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Applications Invited for Research Assistant Post
Applications are invited for a fixed-term Research Assistant post available from October 2026 for 42 months. The researcher will be part of the NanoPhotonics group, which looks at nanoscale assembly and nanophotonics interactions. The candidate will join a dynamic and diverse team that values collaboration, within an ERC-funded Synergy grant on DNA for Optomechanics. The role holder will develop new DNA assembly approaches to study the dynamics of nano-constructs based on assembling DNA origami and plasmonic particles. For recent work see https://www.np.phy.cam.ac.uk.
Project: Design and Assembly of Plasmonic DNA-Polymer Nanomachines
This project aims to combine DNA nanotechnologies with active polymers and plasmonic constructs to measure and drive nano-machinery. You will work with a diverse team constructing different architectures that are reconfigurable, and design and build new DNA constructs. This research will require strong chemistry and physics background knowledge and experience of DNA technologies as well as optical spectroscopy. We therefore welcome applications with aligned scientific backgrounds.
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Job Requirements
- Candidates will have, or be close to obtaining, a chemistry first degree or a related discipline, with proven experience in cell culture, flow cytometry, PCR, and prior work on nanostructures for sensing and experience in plasmid DNA insertion.
- Industrial research experience would be helpful, as well as with DNA nanotechnologies.
The successful candidate would be employed as a Research Assistant and also accepted for admission as a PhD student with the University, subject to the candidate satisfying the University's admissions requirements for PhD study.
Fixed-term
The funds for this post are available for 42 months in the first instance.
The UK NanoPhotonics Centre (http://www.np.phy.cam.ac.uk) collaborates widely across the University of Cambridge including the Departments of Chemistry, Engineering, Physics of Medicine, Cancer Research UK, Chemical Engineering, Materials as well as many international partners, industry, with several major EU programmes. Recent publications can be seen on our website (above). Prof JJ Baumberg, FRS, is an acknowledged leader in discovering and assembling nanomaterials for novel photonics.
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Application Process
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Informal enquires may be addressed to Prof Jeremy Baumberg (jjb12@cam.ac.uk). If you have any questions about the application process, please contact hr@phy.cam.ac.uk.
Please quote reference KA50283 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
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