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 be part of an active and interdisciplinary team of physicists and mathematicians and work on experimental and theoretical investigations of intracellular dynamics in photosynthetic organisms including plants and dinoflagellates.
Responsibilities
The project focuses on understanding how organelles (e.g., chloroplasts) sense, respond to, and adapt under varying environmental conditions, in particular different light regimes. Building on recent work from the group (Schramma et al. PNAS 2023, 2024, 2025), the research will combine advanced confocal and fluorescence microscopy, mechano‑sensing assays, quantitative image processing and data analysis. The postdoc will also contribute to the theoretical side of the project, developing models grounded in active matter physics, non‑equilibrium statistical physics, and the physics of adaptive and learning materials to interpret experimental observations. The postdoc will be involved in the supervision of students and contributing to the mentoring of junior researchers (including planning and delivering seminars) and will play an active role in developing fellowship applications and research grant proposals.
Qualifications
* Hands‑on experience with confocal and/or fluorescence microscopy
* Strong skills in image processing and quantitative data analysis
* Strong background in theory of soft/active/biological matter
* Familiarity with theoretical or computational approaches from statistical physics
* A track record of original research
* An ability to communicate material of a technical nature and build internal and external contacts
Benefits & Terms
£37,694 to £46,049 per annum
The position is expected to be available from 1 September 2026.
Limit of tenure: the funds for this post are available for 24 months in the first instance, and the post may be further renewed for a period of up to 12 months.
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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