Research Assistant/Associate in Computational Biology (Fixed Term)

Applications are invited for a Research Associate (RA) position in the group of Professor Henrik Jönsson at the Sainsbury Laboratory, Cambridge University, to carry out fundamental research in the field of Computational Morphodynamics in plants. The work will be within the ERC-funded project RESYDE (https://resydeproject.org) with the aim of building a virtual flower using multi-level data and computational modelling to be used to design and re-engineer flower architecture.

The RA's main focus will be on computational modelling of gene regulatory networks for predicting the mechanisms leading to symmetry breaks in the patterning process. A hybrid modelling approach integrating the dynamics of a core network while utilising a virtual template from experiments for cellular growth and division will be used. AI methods for generating regulatory hypotheses between genes, hormones and physical properties will also be developed.

Applicants must have/be close to obtaining a PhD or MPhil in Computational Biology, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Bioengineering, Systems Biology or a related field. Proficiency in modelling using differential equations is required. Candidates must have experience in developing computational models and implementing models for computer simulations. Software development in C++ and/or Python is expected, and experience in model analysis and parameter optimisation is beneficial.

The successful applicant will be an excellent team player, solution-oriented and self-motivated. We are looking for someone keen to work in a highly collaborative set-up and enthusiastic to join our diverse and interdisciplinary team. Solid communication skills are required to interact with group members and other researchers within the RESYDE project and at SLCU with different scientific backgrounds.

The Laboratory provides a welcoming and collaborative environment with a wide-range of family-friendly benefits and development opportunities. More about the Sainsbury Laboratory, generic further information for the role and details of what the University offers to employees, can be found at: http://www.slcu.cam.ac.uk/.

Please ensure that you upload a copy of your full CV including a list of publications, a cover letter highlighting your suitability for the position and why you want to join the Jönsson group and the RESYDE project, and contact information of three referees.

The post is available immediately.

Closing date: 10 August 2025. Please note that applications will be reviewed periodically and this recruitment may be closed early if a suitable candidate has been found. We would therefore advise that applications are submitted as soon as possible.

Where a PhD has yet to be awarded the appointment will initially be made at Research Assistant level (Grade 5) and amended to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon the award of PhD. If a PhD is not held, the appointment will be made at Research Assistant level.

Scientific enquiries apart from the formal application should be directed to Dr Jönsson at henrik.jonsson@slcu.cam.ac.uk.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 1 year in the first instance.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click 'Apply' above.

For questions regarding the application process, please email HR@slcu.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference PT46682 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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