Location: Babraham Institute
Department: Signalling
Contract type: Fixed Term Contract
Hours: 37
Salary: Starting salary is £34,500 per annum to £43,315 per annum (depending on number of years post-PhD experience)
We are seeking a highly-motivated Postdoctoral Research Scientist with expertise in primary mammalian cell culture techniques, 3D cell cultures (e.g., organoids/air-liquid interfaces), and microscopy of 3D cultures or tissues, to join the Samant Lab in the Signalling Programme at Babraham Institute, Cambridge. The research in the lab focuses on two key hallmarks of human ageing—loss of proteostasis, and accumulation of cellular senescence—and this project directly tackles the relationship between these two in the context of tissue function and degeneration with age.
The successful candidate will receive hands-on training in isolation and culture of different primary human cells from patient lung tissues, and in differentiation of these cells into 2D and 3D tissue-like structures. The candidate will then perform functional assays of proteostasis, senescence, and ageing-related dysfunction in these complex structures.
This position is suited for a candidate with a focus in the fundamental biology of ageing, and is looking to learn and help further develop cutting-edge human models of ageing and senescence. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in the biological sciences, with experience in advanced molecular/cell biology and mammalian cell culture. They will also have excellent organisation, as this post requires day-to-day supervision and collaboration with a research assistant that will support this project, co-ordination with the local hospital tissue bank to obtain time-sensitive patient material, as well as timely tissue processing and maintenance.
All necessary training for success of the project will be offered by experts at Babraham Institute and University of Cambridge. The post-holder will also have opportunities to develop further their molecular and cell biology skills (e.g., super-resolution microscopy, multi-omics) and career development (e.g., grant-writing, leadership), according to their individual goals.
This is a limited-term appointment with funding for this post expected to be available for a period of 2.5 years, in the first instance.
A full job description and person specification can be found attached to this vacancy.
The Institute has joined the Technician Commitment initiative, which is a commitment to support the recognition, visibility, sustainability and career development of our research support community, which includes the BSU, Scientific Facilities, Computing, Stores & Purchasing, Technical Services, Health & Safety and the Research Assistant communities.
Closing date for applications is Wednesday, 25th February 2026.
However, we reserve the right to close the vacancy early depending on the volume of applications received.
The Babraham Institute welcomes applications from all sections of society.
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The Babraham Institute holds a silver Athena SWAN award and is committed to promoting and developing a culture of excellence, diversity and mutual respect that supports the Institute's ambitions and attracts highly motivated and talented people. The Babraham Institute abides by the principles of the government's Disability Confident Scheme and has a positive approach to employing disabled people.
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