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. Edmund Kunji 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 mrc-mbu.cam.ac.uk.

The postholder will contribute to the Engineered protein pores for delivering DNA into mitochondria project, funded through the ARIA Precision Mitochondria initiative, aimed at developing and rigorously testing new technologies for the delivery and functional use of genetic material in mitochondria. Together with Prof Aleksandra Filipovska (University of Western Australia) and Prof Oliver Rackham (Curtin University) we aim to build new ways to get DNA into mitochondria by utilising custom protein "pores". Bringing together expertise in membrane transport, synthetic biology, and mitochondrial genetics, we will design and screen these pores to thread DNA from the cytoplasm, across both mitochondrial membranes, into the matrix. We will draw on a range of natural channel proteins and our own cutting-edge protein engineering capability. We will also tune the imported genes to be read efficiently once inside the mitochondria, tracking delivery and expression with molecular and fluorescent reporters. If it works, this work would lay the delivery-and-expression groundwork for the programme's longer-term goal: writing engineered sequences into the mitochondrial genome and keeping them there stably. The role will also integrate molecular and functional datasets to support programme milestones and work closely with collaborators across the ARIA Precision Mitochondria programme.

Candidates should hold, or be close to obtaining, a PhD in a relevant biological discipline and have strong experience in mitochondrial, cell, RNA/DNA or molecular biology, biochemistry, membrane protein biology, or related areas. Experience in mammalian cell culture and membrane protein complex assembly is important. Experience in mitochondrial isolation/fractionation, bioenergetics, sequencing or single-cell methods, flow cytometry, RNA/DNA biology or quantitative analysis 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) moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of your PhD award.

Informal enquiries about this position should be directed to Professor Edmund Kunj (ersk2@cam.ac.uk).

The University of Cambridge is committed, in its pursuit of academic and research excellence, to a pro-active and inclusive approach to equality, which supports and encourages all under-represented groups, promotes an inclusive culture, and values diversity. The MBU is part of the School of Clinical Medicine, which holds an Athena Swan Silver Award and supports an Academic Women's Forum. The University particularly encourages women and candidates from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds to apply.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 30 November 2029 in the first instance.

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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 for applications: 29th November 2026

Interview date: week commencing 14th December 2026

Please quote reference SM51607 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.