The Vacancy
We are seeking to recruit a highly enthusiastic Postdoctoral Research Scientist to study the role of extracellular proteostasis in healthy ageing and host defence against pathogens. The successful candidate will join the David group at the Babraham Institute. Our overarching goal is to discover mechanisms that will promote healthy ageing and alleviate age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. We have contributed to recent advances in understanding the mechanisms that prevent protein aggregation, a driver of age-related functional decline. This includes the discovery of the proteostasis network protecting proteins against aggregation outside cells in C. elegans (PMID: 32641833). Our group is embedded within the Signalling Programme which provides a strong collaborative and thriving research environment.
We are looking for a curiosity-driven and highly motivated candidate willing to solve challenging questions and develop their own research project. The post-holder will use genetics, microscopy, proteomics and functional assays in C. elegans to dissect the impact of extracellular proteostasis on health, both at the tissue level and whole organism level. Applicants should have completed a PhD in cell or molecular biology, genetics or related field, with a demonstrable track-record in academic research. They must have prior research experience with C. elegans. Previous working experience in microscopy, molecular cloning, proteomics and generating transgenic C. elegans is also desirable.
The Babraham Institute is a charity, world renowned for its research in life sciences to enhance lives and improve wellbeing. Postdocs have access to excellent career development courses in the Postdoc Academy (University of Cambridge) and high-quality scientific training is offered by the different core facilities at the Babraham Institute. Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Della David (della.david@babraham.ac.uk). For more information on the work of the group, please visit: https://www.babraham.ac.uk/our-research/signalling/della-david
Funding for this position is initially available for three years. A full job specification and role requirements can be found attached to this vacancy.
The closing date is December 7th, 2026.
Applicants must hold a PhD or have their thesis submitted when commencing the post. Please note that you will be appointed on the starting salary of £35,363 per annum, if you have not yet been awarded your PhD.
NO AGENCIES PLEASE
The Babraham Institute holds a silver Athena SWAN award and is committed to promoting and developing a culture of excellence, diversity and mutual respect that supports the Institute’s ambitions and attracts highly motivated and talented people. The Babraham Institute is a Disability Confident Employer and has a positive approach to employing disabled people.
The Company
The Babraham Institute is a life science research institute dedicated to making the fundamental discoveries needed to maintain health and improve wellbeing throughout life.
Our ground-breaking research in human biology sparks the innovative advances which will improve and protect lifelong health.
Our research is split into three programmes: Epigenetics, Signalling, and Immunology, supported by eight scientific facilities.
The Benefits
- Wellbeing activities and sessions
- Company pension scheme
- Employee assistance programme
- Babraham Boost discounts
- Babraham Campus Sports & Social Club
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free parking
- Generous annual leave
- On-site cafe
