Postdoctoral Research Associate in Nucleic Acid Computing and Molecular Programming (Fixed Term)

Overview

The University of Cambridge invites applications for a fixed-term Postdoctoral Research Associate position in Nucleic Acid Computing and Molecular Programming. The role is based in the laboratory of Dr Gamze Gürsoy and involves a two-year appointment. This is primarily a wet-lab, experimental position where the successful candidate will conduct hands-on research. The appointee will spend the majority of their time working at the bench in the Department of Genetics, though Dr Gürsoy's primary academic appointment is in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics.

The research focus centers on developing scalable molecular and synthetic biology tools for genome engineering to address the challenge of genetic privacy. The work involves designing programmable nucleic-acid systems that sense defined human genomic sequences and convert molecular recognition events into engineered DNA outputs. The overarching aim is to create molecular systems that measure useful genetic information while limiting direct exposure of the underlying genomic sequence. The role requires planning and managing independent research, participating in seminars and interdisciplinary collaborations, contributing to graduate student research skills, and pursuing independent research directions and fellowship funding with mentorship from the principal investigator.

Who can apply

Applicants must possess, or be close to completing, a PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, chemical biology, bioengineering, synthetic biology, biotechnology, or a closely related experimental field. The position is intended for researchers with a strong experimental background in synthetic biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or molecular engineering, rather than those seeking a primarily computational role.

Requirements

Candidates must have demonstrated hands-on experience designing and experimentally testing nucleic-acid systems that go beyond routine or predominantly kit-based molecular biology. Ideal applicants have experience reasoning explicitly about nucleic-acid sequence, structure, molecular recognition, enzymatic activity, and function, and translating those concepts into new experimental systems. Applicants should enjoy designing, constructing, and troubleshooting novel molecular systems, as well as engaging directly with quantitative data to analyse assay performance, identify failure modes, compare alternative designs, and guide future experiments.

What you get

The position offers a salary ranging from £38,448 to £46,970 per annum. The appointment is structured as a full-time, fixed-term contract lasting for two years.

How to apply

Interested candidates must submit their application online. The submission must include a full curriculum vitae, a research description of a maximum of three pages, and the contact details for two academic referees. Applicants should ensure that at least one referee remains accessible throughout the selection process and is informed that the Mathematics HR Administrator will contact them to upload a reference. Inquiries regarding the position can be directed to the provided email address.

Key dates

The closing date for applications is 2026-11-20.