Postdoctoral Research Associate - Moyroud Group x 2 (Fixed Term)

Applications are invited for two Postdoctoral Research Associate positions in Dr Moyroud's group at the Sainsbury Laboratory Cambridge University. Successful candidates will conduct fundamental research investigating petal patterning. Using *Hibiscus trionum*, the first post holder will investigate the pre-patterning events that divide the petal into distinct domains (position 1). This will involve extensive microscopy imaging to explore the role of selected genes and hormone signalling pathways. The second project will unravel the mechanisms allowing small molecules to play key roles during petal development (position 2). Our recent data indicate that flavonols and GABA pathway metabolites influence cell behaviour during petal development but how such molecules affect cell differentiation and reprogram transcription is not understood. The second post holder will combine biochemistry and molecular biology approaches to pinpoint the active molecules, identify their receptors and uncover new pathways allowing flowers to paint their surface.

Candidates must have or be close to obtaining a PhD in Plant Biology, Development, Biochemistry or Molecular and Cell Biology. Ideal candidates are developmental biologists with extensive experience in tissue imaging and genetic analysis (for the first position) or biochemists and molecular biologists with previous experience working with proteins and using metabolomic approaches (for the second position). Both projects will modify gene activity in planta using protocols developed and used routinely by the Moyroud team and a willingness to work with an emerging model species is essential. Previous experience with next-generation sequencing data, single-cell/nuclei sequencing and knowledge of plant morphogenesis would be advantageous.

Both posts require creative candidates who seek to broaden their skills and are enthusiastic about using an interdisciplinary approach to reveal novel processes that regulate plant development. Our team actively collaborates with other groups at SLCU, so a collaborative mindset and excellent communication skills are essential.

The successful candidates will be fully involved in writing up their research work for presentation and publication and will be encouraged and supported in preparing applications for independent fellowships. The post holders will assist in the supervision of student projects and deliver seminars relating to their research area. We also actively engage in interactive outreach activities and a clear interest in science communication is beneficial. The Moyroud group is looking for strong team players enthusiastic to join a team that draws on the different experiences of its members. Continuing to build an inclusive culture that supports and celebrates diverse voices is essential to us. We are looking for people with strong interpersonal skills, keen to support staff and other researchers at SLCU from different backgrounds.

The Laboratory provides a welcoming and collaborative environment with a strong mentoring culture and offers a wide-range of development opportunities and family-friendly benefits. More about the Sainsbury Laboratory 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, and a cover letter highlighting your suitability for the position and contact information of three referees.

The posts are available from June 2026.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 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. 

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

Advert information