Research Assistant - Chemical Biology (Fixed Term)

About the role

The Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, is recruiting a Research Assistant in chemical biology. The work is carried out in the group of Dr Julian Willis and focuses on the study and characterisation of bacteriophages: discovering and sequencing new viruses, followed by protein characterisation in cells and by in vitro biochemical analysis. The post is full-time, fixed term with three years of limited funding, based in Cambridge.

Key responsibilities

• Undertake basic research: preparing, setting up, running and recording experiments and field work, developing questionnaires and surveys, and using straightforward mathematical modelling or scientific computation
• Conduct literature and database searches, and keep knowledge and skills up to date
• Write up research results and contribute to research reports and publications
• Present research progress to supervisors such as steering groups and sponsors, and prepare papers for them
• Analyse and interpret results, generate original ideas and plan daily research within the agreed programme
• Use standard research techniques, coordinate work with colleagues, and contribute to project planning
• May assist in supervising student projects and give limited instruction to classes

Required profile

• Undergraduate degree or MSc (or equivalent) in molecular biology, bioengineering or a related field
• Strong background in synthetic biology, microbial biology, biochemistry and molecular cloning
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team with excellent communication skills
• Excellent writing and presentation skills, self-management and good prioritisation

Required skills

• Prior research experience in protein engineering and protein characterisation is highly desirable
• Sufficient breadth or depth of knowledge in the discipline and research methods to work independently

Applications are made online through the university's recruitment system, quoting reference MA51623. The closing date is 19 November 2026. The advertised salary is £31,861 - £36,320.