University of Cambridge
Research Associate (Fixed Term)
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Cellular Biophysics
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in cellular biophysics in the group of Prof. Ewa Paluch. The Paluch lab studies cellular morphogenesis combining cell and molecular biology, quantitative imaging and biophysical approaches to investigate cell shape changes in cultured cells and in vivo. Current projects in the lab include investigating the regulation of the mechanical properties of the cellular actin cortex, the biomechanics of cell division, and the coupling between cell shape and mechanics and cellular state / fate during cellular transitions.
About the Role
The successful candidate will conduct fundamental research aimed at understanding how cell surface mechanics regulates collective cell behaviours and tissue mechanics in mouse embryonic stem cell-derived gastruloids. The aims of the project are to:
- Quantitatively characterise how alterations in membrane-cortex attachment affect gastruloid elongation, cell motility, and cellular rearrangements.
- Investigate resulting changes in tissue-level mechanical properties in the growing gastruloids.
- Work in collaboration with theorists to develop a physical model of how single-cell mechanical properties give rise to tissue-scale morphogenetic behaviours.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Qualifications and Experience
- Hold a PhD (or about to be awarded a PhD) in Biophysics or a related field.
- Extensive experience with stem cell and gastruloid cultures.
- Experience in imaging and image analysis.
- Experience in developing assays for biophysical characterisation of cell and tissue mechanics.
Appointment Details
- Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD.
- Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.
Further Information
For more information on the lab:
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Contract Details
- Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.
Application Process
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
To apply for this post, please submit a CV and a motivation letter detailing why you want to be part of this project and how this post will be a good stepping-stone for your career. We also need the contact details for two people who can provide a professional reference.
Important Dates
- Closing date: midnight on 10th August 2026.
- Reference: Please quote reference PM50530 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
The University actively supports equality, diversity, and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
Eligibility
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills