Current job opportunities in the Sainsbury Laboratory

Applications are invited for a Research Associate position in the group of Dr Alexander Jones at the Sainsbury Laboratory, Cambridge University. Applicants must have or be close to obtaining a PhD in Plant Biology, Biochemistry, Systems Biology, Genetics, or 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.

The cellular dynamics of the plant hormones underpin all aspects of plant development and environmental responses. Targeted perturbations of phytohormones such as abscisic acid and auxin have great potential to reprogram plant development. The project involves two aims: (1) discovery of how plant hormones respond to environmental stresses that are expected in the more extreme climates of the future and (2) redesigning root development via fine-scale perturbations of hormone dynamics with minimal off-target effects. The Jones group at SLCU has recently engineered a series of high-resolution FRET biosensors to track such dynamics for gibberellin, abscisic acid, auxin and salicylic acid in living plants.

The Jones group combines imaging of FRET biosensors with high-resolution genetic and biochemical perturbations to understand phytohormone cellular dynamics. This post will involve use of existing plants expressing biosensors to illuminate previously undetectable cellular and subcellular hormone patterns in vivo. The project's outcomes will be a mechanistic understanding of how and why hormone accumulations or depletions are modulated in space and time and application of this understanding to reprogram root developmental plasticity. We also collaborate with mathematicians to build multi-scale understanding of these complex and important signaling pathways.

For general information, please see a recent talk by Dr. Jones on YouTube (from 1hr30min to 2hrs of the video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLL-mJ7KaE&list=PLoARHFjEDBUWi7F6lLrY-3rseZfF1HX3) and consult the Jones team website (https://www.slcu.cam.ac.uk/research/jones-group).

Foundations in molecular biology and confocal microscopy are 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 hormone biology or root development. Proficiency in plant developmental biology generally, molecular cloning, synthetic biology, systems biology, computational modelling, and image analysis would also be valuable to the role.

The successful applicant will be an excellent team player, highly solution orientated and self-motivated. Excellent interpersonal skills are essential, alongside the ability to work independently and with others, with a high degree of accuracy including outstanding record keeping. The Jones group is looking for a person keen to work in a highly collaborative set-up and enthusiastic to join our diverse and interdisciplinary team. Solid communication skills are required to interact with group members and other researchers at SLCU with different scientific backgrounds. Candidates should also demonstrate a history of science communication (e.g. presentations, outreach activities, teaching).

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.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

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

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

Please quote reference PT45791 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.

Applications are invited for a Software Project Manager position in the research group of Dr. François Nédélec at the Sainsbury Laboratory, University of Cambridge (SLCU). This role is part of the ERC Synergy project BioMecaNet, in collaboration with Andrea Musacchio's team (MPI of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, DE) and Thomas Surrey's team (CRG, Barcelona, SP).

The successful candidate will work on developing innovative software tools to simulate cellular and molecular processes key to cell division, particularly mitotic spindle assembly and chromosome segregation. This project uses advanced mathematical models and computational techniques to analyze cytoskeletal mechanics and cell cycle processes.

Primary work will include extending Cytosim, a widely-used, cross-platform open-source simulation engine for cytoskeleton research (www.cytosim.org). Cytosim is designed to handle large systems of flexible filaments and associated proteins, like molecular motors, and is actively maintained by the PI with contributions from other groups worldwide. It features simulation capabilities and an interactive 3D graphical mode.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain robust, high-performance software enabling cellular-scale simulations.
• Upgrade the graphical engine and desktop OpenGL code to OpenGL ES 2.0.
• Modernize Cytosim's GUI using GLFW and ImGUI or a similar solution.
• Adapt Cytosim for tablet/phone deployment and browser use via WebAssembly.
• Provide user support and potentially develop a Wiki for documentation.
• Assist in organizing annual, week-long training courses.
• Collaborate with biologists to translate biological processes into computational models.
• Contribute to algorithm development for large-scale simulations, especially parallelization.
• Create software solutions (such as games or demos) for outreach activities.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in computer science, software engineering, computational biology, or a related field; PhD candidates are also welcome to apply.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python; knowledge of OpenGL and computer graphics is advantageous.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with familiarity in mechanics or stochastic modeling algorithms in biology.
• Experience in mathematical modeling, scientific computing, systems biology, or AI is advantageous.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively in an interdisciplinary team.

This position offers exciting opportunities for collaboration and the chance to contribute directly to advancing biological understanding through software development. SLCU provides a supportive and collaborative environment, along with various family-friendly benefits and professional development resources.

To apply, please upload:

• A detailed CV with a list of publications (if applicable)
• A supporting statement
• Contact information for three referees

The funding for this post is available for two years or until 30 June 2027, whichever is the sooner.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Scientific enquiries apart from the formal application should be directed to Dr. François Nédélec at Francois.Nedelec@slcu.cam.ac.uk.

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

Please quote reference PT45752 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.

Applications are invited for a post-doctoral Research Associate position in the group of Dr Sarah Robinson at the Sainsbury Laboratory Cambridge University (SLCU). The aim of the Robinson lab is to investigate plant development, particularly from a mechanical point of view. We are looking for someone who is excited about plant development and interested in developing biomechanical methods for plant applications.

Candidates must have a PhD in physics or a related field, expertise in plant development, microscopy, biomechanics and physics. Experience with AFM, extensometers or similar techniques is required. Experience with microfluidics is highly desirable. Previous experience working with plants is required. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary team of researchers using biological, theoretical and biomechanical approaches. They should enjoy working as part of a team and have good communication skills.

We particularly welcome applications from people who are eligible to apply for post-doctoral fellowships.

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: https://www.slcu.cam.ac.uk/.

More information about research in the Robinson lab can be found here: https://www. slcu.cam.ac.uk/research/robinson-group

Please include a cover letter detailing why you are interested in joining the lab, in addition to your CV.

The post is available from June.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 1 year in the first instance.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Scientific enquiries apart from the formal application should be directed to sarah.robinson@slcu.cam.ac.uk.

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

Please quote reference PT45636 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.

Applications are invited for a Post-doctoral Research Associate position in the group of Dr. Francois Nedelec at the Sainsbury Laboratory Cambridge University (SLCU). This call is open to carry out fundamental research in the field of physical biology, specifically studying mitotic spindle assembly and chromosome segregation. This post is funded by a prestigious ERC Synergy project BioMecaNet in collaboration with the experimental groups of Andrea Musacchio (MPI of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, DE) and Thomas Surrey (CRG, Barcelona, SP).

The project's primary focus is the comprehensive analysis of the fundamental mechanisms underlying chromosome segregation, employing advanced mathematical models and computer simulations. The research will concentrate on two key areas: first, the exploration of the cell cycle as a dynamic reaction-diffusion system governing critical division events, and second, a thorough investigation into the mechanics of the cytoskeleton, particularly in relation to the formation of a functional bipolar mitotic spindle.

A central goal of the project is to integrate filament mechanics and cellular chemistry into the modelling process, with a specific aim to develop physically accurate simulations of chromosome bi-orientation and segregation.

Applicants should have or be close to obtaining a Ph.D. in computational biology, physics, applied mathematics, computer science or related field and have a proven track record of scientific publication. Prior experience in modelling of biological systems, or expertise in systems biology and/or theoretical biophysics, in general, would be advantageous. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to develop skills in mathematical modelling, advanced numerical simulations and machine learning.

Fully involved in the basic research in these areas whilst also writing up their research work for presentation and publication, the post holder will have the opportunity to assist in the supervision of student projects, and to engage in teaching if desired. Good and effective communication skills are essential (e.g. presentations, outreach activities).

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/.

Please ensure that you upload a copy of your full CV with publications list, a supporting statement and contact information of three referees

The funding for this post is available for 2 years or until 30 June 2027, whichever is the sooner.

Where a PhD has yet to be awarded the appointment will initially be made at Research Assistant level and amended to Research Associate upon the award of PhD.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Scientific enquiries apart from the formal application should be directed to Dr Francois Nedelec at Francois.Nedelec@slcu.cam.ac.uk.

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

Please quote reference PT45585 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.

The Sainsbury Laboratory Cambridge University is seeking to appoint a Receptionist/Administrator to join its proactive and professional Facilities and Site Operations team.

The Receptionist/Administrator serves as the first point of contact for visitors and callers while providing essential administrative support to ensure smooth office operations. This role involves managing front desk activities, handling correspondence, scheduling appointments, maintaining records, and assisting with general office tasks. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication, organisational, and multitasking skills, with the ability to handle confidential information professionally.

Key responsibilities include greeting and directing visitors, giving tours of the building, answering and forwarding calls, managing office supplies, coordinating meetings, and supporting various administrative functions for professional services as needed. A proactive customer-service-oriented approach, positive demeanour and professional manner are essential for success in this role. You will also be a first aider for the department - full training will be given if needed.

You will have experience of working in an administration role, understanding the processes related to administration and be competent using standard software packages such as Word, Excel, SharePoint and Outlook. You will be well-organised and responsive, with the ability to communicate with staff at all levels and able to work well independently and as part of a team.

Previous reception experience is desirable, but not essential for this role. Due to the nature of this role, the post holder is required to work on-site for their full contracted hours of 8.30am-4.30pm.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 December 2026 in the first instance.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

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

Please quote reference PT45299 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.

Applications are invited for a Post-doctoral Research Associate position in the group of Dr Sebastian Schornack (www.schornacklab.net, twitter: @dromius) at the Sainsbury Laboratory (SLCU), Cambridge University, to study biochemical and cellar processes at the Phytophthora-Nicotiana haustorium.

Our lab studies how evolutionarily conserved plant cell & development processes shape interactions with beneficial and detrimental intracellular filamentous microbes and how microbes modulate such processes. For this advertised project position, we are looking for a highly motivated plant biologist with a proven protein biochemistry and cell biology expertise and a strong interest in plant processes that are targeted by effector proteins from the pathogen Phytophthora palmivora.

Your research will build upon, and expand on, our unpublished research in Nicotiana benthamiana showing that effectors target trafficking and secretion processes in cells with haustoria. As the successful candidate you will use cell biology, protein biochemistry and reverse genetics to establish the underlying molecular mechanisms. You will receive horticultural/technical assistance and will be part of a larger UK research team (https://www.slcu.cam.ac.uk/news/exchanges-haustorial-interface) which includes researchers from Imperial College and the University of Dundee. You will collaborate with postdocs from these teams studying other aspects of the haustorium.

You must have a PhD in a relevant discipline (plant microbe interactions, plant protein biochemistry, or plant cell biology) and have recently published as first author in your field. Preprints are considered publications. An excellent and proven knowledge in plant protein expression, co-immunoprecipitation, and immunoblots is essential. Also essential is previous experience in confocal fluorescence microscopy. Proficiency in standard molecular cloning (Gateway/GoldenGate) is also required. Experience in effectors and filamentous microbe infections is of advantage. Also of advantage is an experience in stable tobacco transformation.

You will be fully involved in the research whilst also writing up your research work for presentation and publication. You may be required to assist in the supervision of student projects and deliver seminars relating to your research area. Good communication skills are required because you will be working in a team and collaborating with other researchers in a larger research framework.

The Laboratory provides a welcoming and collaborative environment with a wide-range of family-friendly benefits and development opportunities and is well connected to other plant research institutes such as the Department of Plant Sciences and the Crop Science Centre. 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/.

It is critical that you include a motivational letter with your application, stating your future research interests and past experience and how they may align with the advert. If you have any questions, please contact Sebastian Schornack (via email or Twitter DM @dromius).

This position is available immediately.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2.5 years in the first instance.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Scientific enquiries should be directed to Dr Sebastian Schornack, sebastian.schornack@slcu.cam.ac.uk.

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

Please quote reference PT45304 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.

Applications are invited for a Maintenance Technician Apprentice at the Sainsbury Laboratory University of Cambridge (SLCU). SLCU is a plant research institute, based in the beautiful Cambridge University Botanic Garden.

You will become part of a small and friendly team, participating in routine activities and providing general technical assistance to the Institute. This is an opportunity to get hands-on experience, gain new skills and work alongside experienced colleagues.

What you will do

You will gain hands-on experience under the guidance of skilled technicians while completing an accredited qualification in electrical maintenance. The role-holder will be exposed to both simple and complex technical systems which will enhance their knowledge and understanding of complex-built environments.

You will also have regular weekly training towards a Level 3 Installation and Maintenance Electrician apprenticeship with West Suffolk College.

Main duties include:

• To support the maintenance and repair of electrical systems and other equipment across the site, ensuring safe, efficient, and effective operation of facilities

• To learn to perform planned and corrective maintenance activities on electrical, mechanical, and other building services where necessary and reasonably necessary

• To support fault diagnosis and repair of electrical equipment and systems

• To ensure compliance with electrical safety standards and regulations by applying their learning to real-time activities and scenarios

• To gain knowledge of relevant legislation, such as the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations)

• To assist the Facilities Supervisor as required

• Any other duties as required by the Facilities Supervisor, appropriate to skills, knowledge and grade

Manual handling and working at heights will be required, after full training has been given. You will need good basic IT skills, with some experience of Microsoft word, excel and outlook. You will also need to be a logical thinker, with good attention to detail. You must be educated to GCSE level or equivalent with a minimum of a grade C or level 4 in Maths, English and Science.

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: 4 years.

All applications are being managed by the training provider. To apply for this post, please use this link to access the National Apprenticeship Service site and follow the on-screen instructions on how to submit your application:

https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/VAC1000299064

Please quote reference PT45111 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.

Applications are invited for the position of Research Laboratory Technician at the Sainsbury Laboratory. The successful applicant will work in Dr Sebastian Schornack's group: https://www.slcu.cam.ac.uk/research/schornack-group

Previous experience in the following areas is of an advantage: Molecular cloning, light microscopy, plant tissue culture, maintenance of fungal oomycete and bacterial cultures, Image analysis using Fiji and quantification of fungal root colonisation, qPCR, bacterial and fungal infections, RNA extraction, Medicago transformation, statistical analysis using R.

The successful applicant will also present their work during lab meetings and on posters to the wider institute. We also encourage members of the group to engage in the outreach activities of SLCU.

We are looking for someone educated to A-Level, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent who can demonstrate knowledge of the facts, principles, processes and general concepts related to laboratory technician work. The ideal candidate will have a high level of precision and accuracy and good communication skills. They will also have previous experience of laboratory technician/biological scientific research work.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 1 year in the first instance.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Scientific enquiries about the position should be directed to Sebastian Schornack - ss2123@cam.ac.uk

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

Please quote reference PT44786 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.

A post-doctoral Research Associate position is available in the newly established Bhatia group at the Sainsbury Laboratory Cambridge University.

The lab is investigating the mechanistic basis of the function of the plant hormone cytokinin (CK) in plant development using Arabidopsis thaliana as model. CK is a fundamental plant hormone that is conventionally considered to promote cell division in plant aerial organs but surprisingly, can also promote cellular differentiation and expansion in aerial organs, in a stage-dependent manner. Therefore, the roles of CK in shaping plant aerial organs are much more diverse than previously thought. How CK regulates and coordinates cell proliferation, differentiation and expansion decisions remain largely unclear. By integrating genetic analyses including genetic mosaics, time-lapse imaging, cellular growth quantifications, and single cell omics, our lab investigates (i) how CK regulates cell proliferation and differentiation and (ii) how are these distinct cellular effects coordinated in space and time during aerial organ development. We are in the process of developing cellular and molecular frameworks of CK-mediated coordination of cell proliferation and differentiation that shape plant organ form.

The candidate will be working in a stimulating scientific environment with ample opportunities to learn new techniques. The successful candidate will be encouraged to apply for fellowships with the help of the lab.

Successful applicants must have a recent PhD degree (within one-two years is desirable but not essential) with strong foundations in plant developmental biology, genetics and molecular biology. Expertise in basic molecular biology techniques and generation and handling of transgenic plants preferably but not limited to Arabidopsis is essential. Experience with confocal microscopy and time-lapse imaging of plant aerial organs -leaves and the shoot apical meristem is desirable and will be an advantage. We are looking for a future colleague with strong communication skills, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, and who is enthusiastic to work in a collaborative environment and contribute to a young lab as it grows. If you are passionate about research in plant development, possess the necessary technical skills and qualities, and are enthusiastic to learn new cutting-edge techniques, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

It is essential that you include a motivation letter in your application clearly stating why you are interested in our work, your future research interests and how your research experience may align with the advert.

At the Sainsbury Laboratory, we foster a welcoming and collaborative environment. We offer a range of family- friendly benefits and development opportunities to our employees. Successful applicants will join a friendly, interactive research environment with centralized support for horticulture, microscopy, and other facilities like media kitchen.

More about the Sainsbury Laboratory and details of what the University offers to employees can be found at: https://www.slcu.cam.ac.uk . More information about research in the Bhatia group can be found here: https://www.slcu.cam.ac.uk/bhatia-group.

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

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Scientific enquiries about the position should be directed to Neha Bhatia - nb759@cam.ac.uk .

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

Please quote reference PT44728 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.

As the Events Assistant, you will play a vital role in our Events Team, ensuring the smooth running of a wide range of events at the Sainsbury Laboratory. These vary from academic conferences to individual speaker and VIP visits, many internal staff events and an outreach and public engagement programme, both on and off site.

Daily, you'll use your keen eye for detail and logistics to create visitor schedules, arrange travel and accommodation, organise catering and prepare events materials. Your role will include setting up in person, online and hybrid meetings using AV systems, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and other tools providing technical support and a professional experience for all attendees. Your adaptability and resilience will be essential as you manage a variety of events, remaining flexible when challenges such as diary conflicts or technical issues arise.

You'll communicate with speakers, delegates, visitors and school children in a friendly and professional manner. There is also opportunity to exercise your creativity by designing posters, outreach materials and putting together the weekly staff newsletter.

Our friendly team is based in a lab that is built around fostering a collaborative and supportive atmosphere. SLCU is committed to staff development and encourages participation in the wide range of personal and professional development activities offered by the University.

It is anticipated that interviews will be held on Monday 10th and Tuesday 11th February 2025.¿

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 December 2026 in the first instance.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

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

Please quote reference PT44691 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.