Research Associate (Fixed Term)

The Medical Research Council Mitochondrial Biology Unit (MRC MBU), University of Cambridge wishes to appoint a post-doctoral Research Associate to join the research group of Prof. Edmund Kunji at the MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit.

A world-renowned centre for research, the MRC MBU is a vibrant community focused on the involvement of mitochondria and their dysfunction in an ever-increasing range of human diseases. Additional information can be found at www.mrc-mbu.cam.ac.uk.

The postholder will contribute to a collaborative project between Professors Daniel A Tennant (University of Birmingham, UK) and Edmund RS Kunji (University of Cambridge, UK), called "Targeting mitochondrial oxidative stress in SDHB-deficient cancers." Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGL) are rare neuroendocrine tumours arising from chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla and sympathetic/parasympathetic paraganglia, respectively. Approximately 40% of patients carry germline mutations in one of the 20 known PPGL predisposition genes, with mutations in the SDHx genes (SDHA, SDHB, SDHC, SDHD, SDHAF2) being the most common. The purpose of the project is to identify inhibitors of a mitochondrial transport protein, which is required for SDHB-deficient cell viability.

The goal of the project is to understand the molecular properties of this transport protein by using electron cryo-microscopy. The post-holder will participate in every stage of the process, from isolation of mitochondria, expression and purification studies, cryoEM grid preparation, data acquisition and processing, and structure model building and interpretation. Another important part will be compound screening and binding analyses to isolate tight binders for further structural analysis.

Candidates will have (or about to be awarded) a PhD in Biological or Physical Natural Sciences, and a track record of related research achievements in the area of Molecular and Structural Biology and/or Biophysics with a focus on structural biology and drug screening.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5, Point 38) moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of your PhD award.

Informal enquiries about this position should be directed to Professor Edmund R.S. Kunji ([email removed]).

The University of Cambridge is committed, in its pursuit of academic and research excellence, to a pro-active and inclusive approach to equality, which supports and encourages all under-represented groups, promotes an inclusive culture, and values diversity. The MBU is part of the School of Clinical Medicine, which holds an Athena Swan Silver Award and supports an Academic Women's Forum. The University particularly encourages women and candidates from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds to apply.

This is a fixed-term position for 24 months from the date of appointment, with the possibility of extension subject to programme progress and funding availability.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

Closing Date: 1st December 2026

Interview Date: week commencing 14th December

Please quote reference SM51629 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.