Research Associate - Bonfio Group (Fixed Term)

Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university in Cambridge is looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to engage in a groundbreaking project on prebiotic synthetic chemistry. Ideal candidates have a PhD in Organic, Supramolecular, or Medicinal Chemistry and are eager to enhance their research capabilities in an interdisciplinary laboratory. Responsibilities include conducting independent research, supporting ongoing projects, and mentoring undergraduate students. This fixed-term position runs from October 2026 to March 2028 and offers a salary range of £37,694 to £46,049.

Qualifications

• Completed a PhD degree in Organic, Supramolecular or Medicinal Chemistry.
• Strong aptitude for scientific research and excellent communication skills.
• Previous research experience in synthetic organic chemistry is essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct an independent research project.
• Assist with ongoing lab projects.
• Supervise undergraduate students.

Job description

# Research Associate - Bonfio Group (Fixed Term)We are seeking to recruit a postdoctoral research associate to work on a new project in the laboratory of Dr Claudia Bonfio in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Cambridge, UK. The project will push the boundaries of prebiotic synthetic chemistry, exploring pathways that led to primitive self-assembling lipids, and stimuli-responsive compartments.Research in the Bonfio lab focuses on the chemical origins of the first cells and their primitive functions, including division, fusion, transport and signalling ().The position would suit an ambitious and talented individual who has completed a PhD degree in Organic, Supramolecular or Medicinal Chemistry and is keen to gain further laboratory research experience in an interdisciplinary field that combines prebiotic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry and biophysics.The key responsibilities of the post will be conducting an independent research project, assisting with projects ongoing in the lab and supervising undergraduate students.The ideal candidate will have a strong aptitude for scientific research, excellent communication skills and works well in a team. Previous research experience in synthetic organic chemistry is essential, along with knowledge of standard characterisation methods. Experience with supramolecular chemistry or lipid self-assembly would be highly desirable. Additional training will be provided as required.Applicants should submit a CV citing relevant experience, a cover letter explaining why they are suitable for the position and contact information for at least two referees.The successful candidate would be expected to start at the beginning of October 2026 or shortly after.Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available from 1st October 2026 until 31st March 2028, 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.For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Claudia Bonfio via: [e-mail] queries regarding the application process, please contact the Biochemistry HR Team via: [e-mail] quote reference PH48316 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.### Department/location### Salary£37,694-£46,049### ReferencePH48316### Category### Date published16 December 2025### Closing date14 January 2026