Research Associate in Morphogenesis - Lab Manager (Fixed Term - 4 Yrs)

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

Job summary

A prestigious university in Cambridge seeks a full-time Research Associate in Morphogenesis. The role involves studying cell dynamics and tissue mechanics during embryo development, with a focus on management and research. Candidates should have strong teamwork skills, be proactive, and have extensive lab experience. This fixed-term position offers excellent career development opportunities, a supportive environment, and benefits including a competitive salary range of £37,694-£46,049.

Benefits

Generous pension scheme

Substantial holiday allowance

Employee benefits including retail discounts

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in research labs is required.
• Strong interest in organizing and optimizing work environment.
• Ability to provide technical guidance and training to new lab members.

Responsibilities

• Develop new research projects, tools, and protocols.
• Supervise junior lab members.
• Master and maintain lab equipment, protocols, and stocks.

Skills

Proactive

Detail-oriented

Excellent communication

Teamwork

Job description

# Research Associate in Morphogenesis - Lab Manager (Fixed Term - 4 Yrs)We are looking for an enthusiastic full-time Research Associate to join Dr. Fengzhu Xiong's team at the Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge.The successful candidate will be involved in studies of cell dynamics and tissue mechanics during embryo development. This post contains a dual research (~2/3 time) and management (~1/3 time) role. The candidate will work closely with the PI to develop new projects and tools, manage lab resources and support group members. As a member of an interdisciplinary team, they will have the opportunity to gain experience in a variety of areas including biochemistry, molecular biology, embryology, imaging, computation, soft matter physics and engineering. Furthermore, the candidate will receive support if they wish to take on career development activities including appropriate professional and graduate courses while in the role. This is an excellent opportunity for experienced technicians and lab managers seeking stability and further career development in a vibrant team, and for researchers aspired to focus on the science without necessarily following the usual timeline and expectations of PhD/Postdoc training.It is essential that the candidate is proactive, detail-oriented, has a keen interest in the organisation and optimization of their work environment, and has excellent communication and teamwork skills. Extensive experience and understanding of working in research labs are required.Main duties include: Work with the PI to develop new research projects, tools and protocols; Lead a project and supervise junior lab members when appropriate; Master and maintain lab equipment, protocols and stocks of samples and reagents; Coordinate with the institute lab managers and administrative officers to ensure lab work follows best practices and compliance with ethics and safety regulations; Provide technical guidance and training to new lab members; Organise and participate in regular group meetings and other group activities.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.Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.Please quote reference PR48185 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### ReferencePR48185### Category### Date published11 December 2025### Closing date18 January 2026