Postdoc Position in Biological Physics experiments on bacteria/epithelium adhesion - Cicuta group

A Research Associate position, funded by a GlaxoSmithKline Varsity award, is available from 2nd January 2017 (or as soon as possible after) to determine how bacteria adhere to respiratory epithelium using novel, multidisciplinary approaches in collaboration between Clare Bryant, John Wright and Pietro Cicuta (Cambridge) and Edith Hessel (GSK).

This challenging and exciting role will involve studying the factors that are important for bacterial adhesion to respiratory epithelium. The project will examine bacterial mutants and epithelial cells lacking candidate genes. The role will involve working closely with a second PDRA in the Veterinary School who will be developing new biological constructs. The aims in physics are to develop and validate new in vitro assays for bacteria/epithelium adhesion based on fluid flow and imaging, then to perform experiments and related modeling and data analysis. The role will primarily be based in the Department of Physics (Cavendish Laboratory), but will involve important collaborative work in the Department of Veterinary Sciences and in GSK.

The candidate will have experience in experimental research in biological or soft materials, ideally with some experience of experimental design and/or working with imaging and microfluidic techniques for single cell biology. The project requires a multidisciplinary approach and good communication skills to ensure the collaborative work runs smoothly, therefore the candidate will need to be highly driven and flexible enough to adapt to these challenging working conditions.


Closing date applications: 9th December 2016

Limit of tenure: 2 years


For an informal discussion about this position, please contact Professor Pietro Cicuta:

http://people.bss.phy.cam.ac.uk/~pc245/