Research Associate in Morphogenesis (Fixed Term - 4 Years)

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

Job summary

A leading research institute in the UK seeks a Research Associate specializing in Morphogenesis for a 4-year fixed term position. The successful candidate will be involved in cutting-edge research focused on tissue mechanics and morphogenesis, collaborating closely with experimentalists, and developing mechanical models. Ideal applicants should have a PhD in a relevant scientific field and demonstrate a strong interest in developmental biology. This role offers a supportive and inclusive workplace environment, competitive salary, and a range of employee benefits.

Benefits

Generous pension scheme

Substantial holiday allowance

Employee benefits including retail discounts

Qualifications

• Candidates should hold or soon obtain a PhD in a relevant field.
• Demonstrated experience in interdisciplinary research is required.
• A strong interest in biology is essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on tissue mechanics during morphogenesis.
• Develop mechanical models integrating experimental data.
• Collaborate with experimentalists to design and interpret studies.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Strong interest in developmental biology

Ability to work independently and in a team

Education

PhD in mathematics, physics, computation, engineering or equivalent

Job description

# Research Associate in Morphogenesis (Fixed Term - 4 Years)Applications are invited for a Research Associate in Dr Fengzhu Xiongs' Developmental Mechanics group at the Gurdon Institute at University of Cambridge. The group focuses on studying the cellular and physical mechanisms of morphogenesis in development using quantitative approaches ().As soft matter, embryonic tissues need to produce forces and regulate mechanical properties to drive shape changes during development. The mechanisms of tissue mechanics can reside on different scales (molecular, cellular, tissue) and may come from unexpected sources (neighbouring tissues, extraembryonic environment). Much remains to be learned about how cell dynamics produce and regulate these forces and tissue mechanical properties, and how robust tissue shapes are achieved.We are now seeking a motivated postdoc specialized in theory and/or computational modelling to join our interdisciplinary team. The successful candidate will conduct cutting edge research with a high level of independence and close support of the PI, with focuses including but not limited to: 1. work closely with experimentalists to interpret imaging and mechanical measurements in live embryos, informing experiment design; 2. develop mechanical models of tissue shape control integrating different modalities of experimental data; 3. explore the design principles of developmental morphogenesis using mathematical approaches. This is an ideal position for an aspiring scientist who has ambitions to solve important challenges in biology by innovatively applying their previous training.Candidates are expected to hold (or soon to be awarded) a PhD in a related subject such as mathematics, physics, computation and engineering, or equivalent research experiences as demonstrated by excellent scholarly outputs. Applicants should provide evidence of a strong interest in developmental biology questions by demonstrating relevant experiences and expertise, and articulating their career vision at the interface of biology and physics in the cover letter. Applicants should have excellent communication skills and should be able to work both independently and as part of a team. The group provides a rich learning environment for interdisciplinary scientists and complementary mentorship for the candidate to develop their unique research identity.In return, we offer a supportive and inclusive workplace, a generous pension scheme, substantial holiday allowance, and a range of employee benefits, including retail discounts.Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 4 years in the first instance. The start date is flexible.Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.Please quote reference PR48183 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### ReferencePR48183### Category### Date published11 December 2025### Closing date18 January 2026