University of Cambridge
Research Associate (Fixed Term)
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Applications are invited for a two-year Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) position in Professor David Fairen-Jimenez's group in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology.
Therapeutic RNAs, including mRNA, siRNA and guide RNA, can regulate disease-related pathways, but their use depends on effective delivery systems. These systems must protect RNA from degradation, promote cellular uptake and endosomal escape, and deliver the RNA to the required intracellular location.
This project will develop porous materials, with a particular focus on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), for mitochondria-targeted RNA delivery. It will investigate how framework composition, pore structure, particle size, surface chemistry and biological functionalization affect RNA loading, protection, intracellular release, mitochondrial localization and biological activity.
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.
The successful candidate will lead the design, synthesis and physicochemical characterization of nanoscale MOFs and related porous materials. They will work closely with biological collaborators to study cellular uptake, endosomal escape, mitochondrial delivery and the functional activity of the delivered RNA in relevant cell models. The position is particularly suitable for a materials chemist with strong practical experience in MOF design and synthesis and a proven track record in biomedical applications. Experience in RNA delivery, intracellular trafficking or mitochondrial targeting would be advantageous, although the main requirement is a strong background in developing MOFs for biological or therapeutic applications.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Please quote reference NQ50667 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.
“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