Research Assistant/Associate - Computational Biology

Applications are invited for a Research Associate (RA) position in the group of Professor Henrik Jonsson 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 BBSRC-funded project "Tipping the balance: utilising hormonal crosstalk to control stem cell plasticity", with the aim of building a virtual shoot meristem using multi-level data and computational modelling to investigate stem cell plasticity.

The main focus of the RA's part of the project will be on computational modelling of hormonal regulation of gene regulatory networks to predict mechanisms underlying stem cell patterning and plasticity in the shoot stem cell niche. 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. In addition, AI methods for generating regulatory hypotheses between genes, hormones and physical properties can be developed.

Applicants must have or be close to obtaining a PhD or MPhil in Computational Biology, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Bioengineering, Systems Biology or a related field. 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.

Proficiency in modelling using differential equations is required. Candidates are expected to have experience in developing and implementing computational models for computer simulations. Software development in C++ and/or Python is expected, and experience in model analysis and parameter optimisation is beneficial. Experience in machine learning and neural networks is desirable.

The successful applicant will be an excellent team player, solution-oriented and self-motivated. We are looking for a person who is keen to work in a highly collaborative set-up and enthusiastic about joining our diverse and interdisciplinary team. Solid communication skills are required to interact with group members and other researchers within the BBSRC project and the Sainsbury Laboratory, who have 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/.

The post is available from May 2026.

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 Jonsson Group and the BBSRC project, and contact information of three referees.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance.

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

All scientific enquiries should be directed to Professor Jonsson henrik.jonsson@slcu.cam.ac.uk

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

Please quote reference PT48534 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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