Postdoctoral research associate opportunities
As a SLCU postdoc, you will be working in a highly supportive well-resourced environment that’s collaborative, international and inclusive.
You will be joining postdocs from all over the world and will be a valued member of the wider Institute as well as your research group.
We offer a competitive salary, access to advanced scientific facilities, an open and inclusive working culture and many opportunities for professional development.
SLCU provides exceptional technical support that stands us apart from other institutes, including a specialist lab team that undertakes all media preparation and provides tip racking services. SLCU postdocs also enjoy considerably more autonomy than commonly found in other institutes, and are encouraged to develop their own projects, participate in science communication and outreach, and join institute-wide committees, providing a good foundation for future careers.
We also offer generous 6 weeks, plus bank holiday, annual leave, family-friendly policies and facilities.
How to join us
We welcome applications and approaches from postdoctoral applications who have recently completed their PhD or first postdoctoral fellowship and are seeking to further their research career development.
All positions will be advertised on the SLCU Jobsite and you are also welcome to approach the group leader with whom you are interested in working to discuss possible future opportunities and your research direction.
Training and development
We will support you to undertake science-based and non-scientific training courses for professional and personal development. You will map out your own research and development objectives through discussion with your Group Leader as part of an annual staff review and development programme. This is your opportunity to further develop transferable skills that provide your with a sound foundation for careers in research, industry or other fields such as education, scientific publications and science communication. There are many diverse options ro develop skills such as leadership, mentoring and communication. The University provides courses and workshops on scientific writing, writing project proposals and grant applications, project management, presentation skills and science communication skills. The University of Cambridge Graduate School of Life Sciences and University of Cambridge Postdoc Society offer many training opportunities, interactive workshops, career conferences and individual guidance.
A vibrant science and social community
You are also supported to attend and present at scientific meetings, join scientific associations and groups. SLCU also hosts a number of scientific meetings, including the biennial Sainsbury Laboratory Symposium Cambridge and Computational Biology Workshops. SLCU is also involved in a number of multidiscipline networks that meet regularly, such as the Cambridge University SynBio Society, Theory of Living Matter Group, Cambridge Morphogenesis Seminar Series, Cambridge Centre for Physical Biology and Endosymbiosis group.
Our SLCU Society and many peer groups all provide additional support and training opportunities in modelling, bioinformatics, machine learning, code writing and journal paper writing. We have a strong social network with a number of regular social events and activities including a climbing, running and crafts, in addition to our twice-weekly institute-wide coffee/tea breaks and monthly Friday afternoon social hour.
Teaching opportunities
Postdocs can also participate in teaching, supervision (small group teaching) and demonstrations during practical classes. A number of postdocs are also affiliated to University of Cambridge colleges providing them with additional opportunity to network and expand their experience of Cambridge academic life.