Job Description

Applications are invited to join a dynamic team led by Dr Richard Tyser at the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, working to understand how the mammalian heart develops. This project is funded by Wellcome and will focus on the relationship between form and function during cardiac development. It has been well documented that the mammalian heart begins beating from an early stage, raising the important question of how and when the initiation of function occurs and to what extent this defines and influences the progression of differentiation and subsequent cardiac morphogenesis. (Tyser, Miranda et al. Elife 2016; Tyser, Ibarra-Soria et al. Science 2021; Tyser, Mahammadov et al. Nature 20201).
We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Postdoctoral Fellow/ Research Associate to join our research group. The successful candidate will benefit from building upon novel datasets, exciting preliminary findings, and using unique experimental model systems. Techniques will include multiple imaging approaches (live timelapse imaging, high-resolution whole mount immunohistochemistry and in situ HCR), single cell-based platforms, hESC differentiation and general molecular biology techniques. The main duties of this position will encompass pursuing research objectives (see list below for full details); developing individual and collaborative research projects; as well as writing up research for presentation and publication.
About You
The successful candidate will have a PhD, a strong background in cell and molecular biology and a good publication record. It is essential that the candidate is highly motivated, have excellent communication and organisational skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a research team. Prior experience in cardiovascular biology, electrophysiology and in vitro ESC models is highly desirable.
Responsibilities/duties

• Manage their own academic research and administrative activities. This involves small-scale project management, to co-ordinate multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines and to support interactions with research collaborators.
• Adapt existing and develop new scientific techniques and experimental protocols. The successful candidate must be familiar with or have the capacity to become quickly familiar with: basic molecular biology techniques (PCR, molecular cloning); fluorescence imaging approaches; and experimental embryology (isolation and culture of mouse embryos)
• Test hypotheses and analyse scientific data from a variety of sources, reviewing and refining working hypotheses as appropriate.
• Contribute ideas for new research projects.
• Undertake comprehensive and systematic literature reviews and write up the results for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Collaborate in the preparation of scientific reports and journal articles and the presentation of papers and posters at conferences.
• Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on scientific protocols and experimental techniques.
• Represent the research group at external meetings/seminars, either with other members of the group or alone.
• Carry out collaborative projects with colleagues in partner institutions, and research groups.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD, an equivalent research doctorate. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level (Grade 5), which will be amended to Research Associate (Grade 7) once PhD has been awarded.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check, a health assessment and a security check.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Applicants must have (or be close to obtaining) a PhD.
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 34,132) 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 your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.
Closing date: 1st August 2025
Interview date: to be confirmed
Please quote reference PS46686 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.
Further information