Research Assistant/Research Associate (Fixed Term)

We are seeking to recruit an experienced post-doctoral researcher to work at the exciting interface between DNA nanotechnology and bottom-up synthetic biology. The candidate will be supported by the ERC starting grant "NANOCELL", which utilises DNA nanotechnology to construct cell-like micro-robots, or "artificial cells". They will join the NANOCELL team consisting of another post-doctoral researcher and two PhD students, and collaborate closely with the group of Dr Lorenzo Di Michele including several other PhD students and postdocs working on closely related topics. 

Artificial cells are fully synthetic entities, constructed de novo starting from non-living molecular components in order to replicate responses typically associated with biological cellular life, including adaptation, energy consumption, communication, motion, division etc. 

Artificial cells can be constructed out of anything, from biological proteins and enzymes to polymers, lipids and nanoparticles. In our group, and, in particular with the NANOCELL project, we exploit the design versatility of functional DNA nanotechnology to afford artificial cells with otherwise unattainable responses. The candidate will develop DNA nano systems based on DNA origami or relying on the self-assembly of smaller DNA nanostructures that will constitute both structural and functional components of artificial cells. The DNA nanostructures will be combined with lipid bilayer systems, in the form of Giant Vesicles, which will form the chassis of our artificial cells. 

The candidate will be given access to state-of-the art experimental facilities within the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, including all that is needed to design and characterise DNA nano-systems and artificial cells. 

We seek a candidate with experience in DNA nanotechnology and, preferably, also in working with membrane systems. A "physical" background (physics, biophysics, physical chemistry) is required. Most important, we value work ethics, independence, initiative, leadership, and enthusiasm. 

Duties and responsibilities:

• Independently organise and carry out experimental work and data analysis.
• Report periodically to the supervisory team.
• Prepare and submit manuscript for publication.
• Present at international conferences.
• Day-to-day supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• Support the work of others in the group.

Essential requirements:

• A PhD in experimental DNA nanotechnology, soft matter physics, physical chemistry, or biophysics.
• A strong "physical" background.
• Experience with working on nucleic acid and lipid bilayer systems.
• Experience with relevant experimental techniques (spectrophotometry, quantitative microscopy, DLS, AFM, TEM, nucleic acid handling, liposome fabrication)
• Ability to program in Matlab and/or Python.
• Ability to conduct research independently.
• Ability to supervise master and PhD students.
• Ability to interface with research from diverse disciplines (physics, chemistry, biology).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Interviews are likely to be held soon after the closing date.

Start date: as soon as possible before 01/05/2023.

Fixed term: Funds for this position are available from the start date to 31/12/2024 with the possibility of further extensions past this date.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please visit: http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/39227.

Should you require any further details on the role please contact: Lorenzo Di Michele (ld389@cam.ac.uk); or any queries regarding the application process please contact Trish Murray on hr@ceb.cam.ac.uk.

Please quote reference NQ35154 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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