Overview
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in the Jalaal Group at the University of Cambridge, Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP). The successful candidate will join an active and interdisciplinary team of physicists and mathematicians working on experimental and theoretical investigations of intracellular dynamics in photosynthetic organisms, including plants and dinoflagellates.
Project Focus
Research will focus on understanding how organelles (e.g., chloroplasts) sense, respond to, and adapt under varying environmental conditions, particularly different light regimes. The work builds on recent publications (Schramma et al. PNAS 2023, 2024, 2025) and combines advanced confocal and fluorescence microscopy, mechano‑sensing assays, quantitative image processing, and data analysis. The postdoc will also contribute to the theoretical side, developing models grounded in active matter physics, non‑equilibrium statistical physics, and the physics of adaptive and learning materials to interpret experimental observations.
Professional Development
The position provides a structured career development path within an active research group and department. The postdoc will supervise students, mentor junior researchers (including planning and delivering seminars), and play an active role in developing fellowship applications and research grant proposals.
Qualifications
* PhD in Physics, Engineering, Biology, or a related field (or expected to receive the degree soon).
* Hands‑on experience with confocal and/or fluorescence microscopy.
* Strong skills in image processing and quantitative data analysis.
* Strong background in the theory of soft, active, and biological matter.
* Familiarity with theoretical or computational approaches from statistical physics.
* A track record of original research.
* Ability to communicate technical material and build internal and external contacts.
Position Details
Expected start date: 1 September 2026. The initial funding is available for 24 months, with the possibility of an additional 12 months renewal.
Contact
Informal enquiries can be made by contacting Dr Maziyar Jalaal at m.jalaal@damtp.cam.ac.uk.
Equal Opportunities
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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