Research Associate in Epithelial Morphogenesis (Fixed Term) Part-time NEW

Post-Doctoral Scientist Position

We are looking for a highly talented and motivated post-doctoral scientist to join the laboratory of Prof Daniel St Johnston at the Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, funded by an ERC Synergy grant with the groups of Ewa Paluch (Cambridge) and Sara Wickstrom (Max Planck Institute Münster).

The project aims to discover how polarity factors control epithelial cell shape by regulating cortical tension, cell-cell adhesion and the organisation of the cytoskeleton. The research will involve genetic manipulations that change the shape of the epithelial follicle cells in Drosophila, but may also include collaborative experiments on mammalian epithelioids and mouse skin. Quantitative 3D measurements of the resulting changes in cortical tension in living egg chambers, and myosin and adhesion protein localisation in fixed samples using super-resolution microscopy (DNA-PAINT) will then be used to help build models for epithelial cell shape control.

Publications relevant to this work include: Doerflinger H et al. (2026) An aPKC rheostat induces apical contraction in response to epithelial stretching. Biorxiv, Buckley CE and St Johnston D. (2022) Apical¿basal polarity and the control of epithelial form and function. Nat Rev Mol Cell Bio, 1¿19. DOI: 10.1038/s41580-022-00465-y. Further information can be found on the lab webpage: https://www.gurdon.cam.ac.uk/research/stjohnston

You should be passionate about epithelial biology, be willing to tackle difficult problems and be able to develop novel experimental approaches to answer outstanding questions in the field. Prior experience with Drosophila genetics and the cell biology of epithelia is essential. You will play a key role in a team so a friendly and collegial attitude is crucial, and you will be required to assist in the supervision of students. You should have a PhD in a related area.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 6 years in the first instance.

Key Information

Department/Location: Gurdon Institute

Salary: £37,694-£46,049

Reference: PR49637

Category: Research

Date Published: 7 May 2026

Closing Date: 21 May 2026