Research Associate (Fixed Term)

The Medical Research Council Mitochondrial Biology Unit (MRC MBU), University of Cambridge wishes to appoint a post-doctoral Research Associate to join the research group of Prof. Michal Minczuk at the MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit.

A world-renowned centre for research, the MRC MBU is a vibrant community focused on the involvement of mitochondria and their dysfunction in an ever-increasing range of human diseases. Additional information can be found at www.mrc-mbu.cam.ac.uk.

The postholder will contribute to an ambitious programme funded through the ARIA Precision Mitochondria initiative, aimed at developing novel technologies for the delivery of genetic material into mitochondria. The project addresses one of the major challenges in mitochondrial medicine: enabling precise genetic manipulation of the mitochondrial genome in living cells and tissues.

Working at the interface of mitochondrial biology, membrane biophysics and synthetic biology, the successful candidate will establish and apply advanced experimental approaches to evaluate mitochondrial membrane integrity, topology, dynamics and function following delivery interventions. They will employ complementary methodologies including super-resolution fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, mitochondrial bioenergetics, single-cell mtDNA/mtRNA analysis, molecular biology and functional assays of oxidative phosphorylation.

The postholder will play a leading role in assessing mitochondrial DNA replication, transcription and respiratory chain function, and will contribute to validation studies in organoid and mouse models. The project will involve close collaboration with industrial partners and offers opportunities for translation of discoveries into future therapeutic applications.

Informal enquiries about this position should be directed to Professor Michal Minczuk (mam201@cam.ac.uk).

This is a fixed-term position for 12 months from the date of appointment, with the possibility of extension subject to programme progress and funding availability.

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

Candidates should hold, or be close to obtaining, a PhD in a relevant biological discipline and have a strong track record in mitochondrial biology, cell biology, membrane biology, bioenergetics or related areas. Experience in advanced fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, mitochondrial functional assays, quantitative image analysis, single-cell technologies or computational analysis of complex biological datasets would be highly advantageous. 

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. 

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please include details of three professional referees who can be contacted prior to interview.

The closing date for applications is: 1st July 2026

The interview for the role is to be confirmed.

Please quote reference SM49951 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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