Research Associate (Fixed Term)

Applications are invited for an enthusiastic and highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the laboratory of Professor Amanda Sferruzzi-Perri in the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience (PDN).

The Sferruzzi-Perri Laboratory (https://www.pdn.cam.ac.uk/directory/amanda-sferruzzi-perri) investigates the aetiology of pregnancy complications and the regulation of fetal and placental development within broader physiological and environmental contexts. The group employs integrative approaches, combining environmental mouse models and human pregnancy studies with advanced molecular, cellular, and physiological techniques.

The successful applicant will join a team investigating how the placenta, through its endocrine functions, influences maternal health during and after pregnancy. This project aims to address this important knowledge gap using novel genetic mouse models of placental endocrine dysfunction. The research will integrate in vivo metabolic testing with tissue structural, functional, and epigenetic analyses to determine how placental hormones regulate maternal physiology.

Applicants should hold (or be close to completing) a PhD in a relevant field, with a strong background in pregnancy and/or metabolic physiology research.

You will have:

• A proven track record of research productivity, with the ability to lead and complete complementary projects.
• Experience with transgenic and genetically modified mouse models.
• Strong understanding of metabolic and pregnancy physiology.
• Expertise in rodent experimentation, including surgery and in vivo metabolic testing.
• Experience with advanced molecular techniques, such as transcriptomic, proteomic, and epigenetic analyses.
• Skills in bioinformatics, histological analysis, and integration of complex, multi-modal datasets.

Please see the Further Particulars for more information. Click the 'Apply' button above. 

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5, Point 38, £34,610) moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of your PhD award.

Fixed Term: the funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance.

This is strictly a non-remote post, offered on a full time basis, however, we are open to discussing part-time work arrangements to accommodate individual circumstances (minimum 80% FTE). The post is available from January 2026 onwards.

Informal enquiries about the position can be made to Prof Amanda Sferruzzi-Perri (ans48@cam.ac.uk).

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

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 your knowledge, skills and experience match the requirements of the role. Please also describe what you would bring to the group and why this post would be an ideal fit for your career plan. We also need the contact details for two people who can provide a professional reference, one of which should be your most recent line manager. Please note that we will assume that you are happy for us to approach your referees at any stage, unless you indicate otherwise in the space provided on the form.

The closing date for applications is 28 November 2025. Interviews are expected to be held between 15 and 18 December.

Please quote reference PM47841 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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