Research Associate - Biosensor Engineering (Fixed Term)

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in the group of Prof. Alexander Jones at the Sainsbury Laboratory, Cambridge University. The goal of this position is to accelerate a revolution in how we visualize plant signalling by developing high-performance, photostable fluorescent biosensors.

The Jones group deciphers how cellular hormone dynamics connect environmental stimuli with developmental plasticity. This post takes the critical step of engineering new biosensing modules to overcome current limitations in photostability, spectral properties, and ligand specificity. The approach will involve a portfolio of cutting-edge techniques-integrating de novo protein design with directed evolution-to create modular, high-performance tools for monitoring signaling in space and time. The successful candidate will work to establish a pipeline for creating high-performance FRET sensors, bridging the gap be-tween computational prediction and in vivo validation.

For more information, please see a recent talk by Prof. Jones on YouTube (from 1hr30min to 2hrs of the video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iL_L-mJ7KaE&list=PLoARHFj_EDBUWi7F6lLrY-3rseZfF1HX3) and consult the Jones team website (https://www.slcu.cam.ac.uk/research/jones-group).

Applicants must have or be close to obtaining a PhD in Bioengineering, Biochemistry, Synthetic Biology, Plant Biology or related field. We are looking for a candidate who can bridge the gap between computational design and experimental implementation.

A solid foundation in molecular biology and in particular gene cloning is strictly required, alongside a willingness and ability to learn and work with new methodologies. We particularly welcome candidates with advanced knowledge of, and a proven track record in, any of the following techniques and concepts: protein engineering and directed evolution, FACS-based screening, phage display, yeast display, Golden-gate cloning and structural biology. Additional techniques that would be of value are optogenetics, computational protein design tools (e.g., Rosetta, RFdiffusion, or ProteinMPNN), and biophysical characterisation of protein-protein interactions. Proficiency in Arabidopsis thaliana transformation and husbandry, optogenetics, quantitative fluorescence microscopy and image analysis would also be valuable to the role, but are not essential.

The successful applicant will be a creative, solution-oriented scientist capable of working both independently and as part of a diverse, interdisciplinary team. Excellent interpersonal skills and a history of effective science communication (presentations, publications, outreach, teaching) are essential.

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

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.

Please ensure that you upload a copy of your full CV including a list of publications, and a cover letter highlighting your suitability for the position and contact information of three referees.

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

Scientific enquiries apart from the formal application should be directed to Prof. Jones at alexander.jones@slcu.cam.ac.uk.

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

Please quote reference PT49655 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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