Research Associate (Fixed Term)

Location: Central Cambridge 

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 wider physiological and environmental contexts. 

The Role:

The successful applicant will investigate how placental development and function contribute to pregnancy outcomes in the context of maternal heat exposure.

Maternal exposure to acute and chronic heat stress is associated with adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes, yet the underlying pathophysiological pathways remain poorly defined. This project, aims to address this gap by analysing data and biological samples from a longitudinal cohort study of pregnant women in The Gambia.

The postholder will analyse blood and placental samples to determine how heat exposure and other environmental stressors affect placental structure, function, and molecular regulation. This data will be integrated with maternal physiological measures (from wearable devices), materno-placental blood flow assessments (ultrasound), and pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. 

About You:

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

You will have:

• A proven track record of research productivity and the ability to manage and complete multiple, complementary projects.
• Experience working with clinical data and human samples.
• Expertise in RNA sequencing or other high-throughput molecular techniques.
• Strong skills in bioinformatics, histological analysis, and integration of complex, multi-modal datasets.

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 18 months in the first instance. 

This full time position is strictly a non-remote post, however, we are open to discussing part-time work arrangements to accommodate individual circumstances (e.g., at 80% FTE). The post is available from April 2026 onwards.

Informal enquiries 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 'Apply' 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 reference, one of which should be your most recent line manager.

The closing date for applications is 5 January 2026. Interviews are expected to be held between 19 and 23 January 2026.

Please quote reference PM47878 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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