Postdoctoral Research Associate in Microbiology and Biohybrid Systems at University of Cambridge University of Cambridge in United Kingdom

The University of Cambridge is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Microbiology for a fixed-term position in the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry. The successful candidate will join Professor Erwin Reisner's laboratory to work on the development of biohybrid systems for the controlled synthesis of organic chemicals via semi-artificial photosynthesis. The project aims to create a biotechnological platform that uses efficient light harvesting by semiconductors to drive engineered live cells for the conversion of carbon dioxide and other feedstock chemicals into complex, high-value chemical products.

This is a cross-disciplinary project that combines microbiology, chemistry, and synthetic biology, with the ambition to develop sustainable bioelectrochemical and biophotocatalytic technologies. The position is funded for two years in the first instance, supported by UKRI through a Japan-UK collaboration and an ERC Advanced Grant. The salary range is £33,002 to £46,049 per annum.

Applicants should have, or be about to obtain, a PhD in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, or a closely related field. Experience in synthetic biology, protein purification, or bioelectrochemistry is desirable. The successful candidate will work within a collaborative team and contribute to cutting-edge research in artificial photosynthetic cell systems. The University of Cambridge is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and encourages applications from all backgrounds. The Department holds an Athena SWAN silver award for women in STEMM.

To apply, candidates should register an account on the University of Cambridge recruitment system, submit a CV, covering letter, and publications list, and quote reference MA47918. For further information about the Reisner laboratory, visit the lab website. For application queries, contact Prof. Reisner at reisner@ch.cam.ac.uk. The closing date for applications is 10 December 2025.