Postdoctoral Research Associate in Germline Differentiation Mechanisms
Explore molecular mechanisms of germline differentiation using Drosophila as a model organism.
Best for:Best for postdoctoral researchers with expertise in molecular biology, genomics, or developmental biology, particularly those with experience in next-generation sequencing and confocal microscopy.
Overview
This postdoctoral position at the University of Cambridge invites applicants to investigate the molecular mechanisms driving germline differentiation in vivo, focusing on the Drosophila female germline. The successful candidate will employ a combination of high-throughput molecular and genomic techniques, including short-read and long-read sequencing, computational analysis, developmental biology, advanced microscopy, and Drosophila genetics. The project builds on recent work mapping transcriptional and translational changes during germline stem cell differentiation, aiming to uncover how transcriptional, post-transcriptional, translational, and chromatin-associated mechanisms coordinate developmental switches during oogenesis. The role offers substantial autonomy to shape the project’s direction and develop an independent research profile within a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment.
What you'll do
- Investigate molecular mechanisms driving germline differentiation in Drosophila female germlines using advanced genomic and microscopy techniques.
- Design and execute complex experiments involving CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, tissue-specific RNA interference, and transgenesis.
- Perform transcriptomic and epigenomic profiling to analyze gene-expression remodelling during differentiation.
- Conduct immunofluorescence, single-molecule RNA imaging, and quantitative confocal microscopy to visualize molecular dynamics.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams to integrate computational analysis and experimental biology.
- Present research findings at international conferences and contribute to manuscript preparation.
- Develop independent research projects and pursue career-development opportunities.
Requirements
Degree required: PhD in molecular biology, genetics, developmental biology, biochemistry, genomics, or a related discipline (or near completion)
Language: English; proficiency required for academic communication and collaboration
Instruction: English
- Experience in next-generation sequencing-based methods (e.g., RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq, CUT&Tag, Hi-C).
- Proficiency in confocal microscopy techniques (e.g., immunofluorescence, single-molecule RNA imaging, HCR).
- Strong background in Drosophila genetics or willingness to learn.
- Ability to design, execute, and troubleshoot complex biological experiments.
- Rigorous and quantitative approaches to data analysis.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- No specific nationality or residency restrictions mentioned.
- Open to candidates at any career stage with a PhD or near completion.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-08 (GMT)
Applicants must apply online through the University of Cambridge job portal. The application should include a CV, cover letter, and contact details for two referees. Ensure the reference 'GO51218' is quoted in the application and any correspondence.
- CV
- Cover letter explaining research interest and aptitude
- Names and contact details of two referees
Contact
Felipe Karam-Teixeira· Principal Investigator
https://www.gen.cam.ac.uk/research-groups/research-groups/karam-teixeira
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