Postdoctoral Research Scientist (Epigenetics)

Location: Babraham Institute, Cambridge

Department: Epigenetics

Contract type: Fixed Term Contract

Hours: 37

Salary: £37,364 to £44,614 per annum (depending on number of years post PhD experience)

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join the Houseley group at the Babraham Institute, Cambridge to work on metabolic and genetic dysregulation in ageing.

This BBSRC-funded post addresses the fundamental mechanisms of ageing. Our lab asks why progressive loss of fitness is associated with organismal ageing and whether we can prevent this decline to achieve ‘healthy ageing’. We are particularly focused on the ageing genome and epigenome, asking why and how these change in a slow, progressive manner with age, and linking these changes to metabolic dysfunction. We have recently demonstrated that rewiring of acetyl coenzyme A metabolism, which is critical for epigenetic state and DNA repair as well as fatty acid provision, allows yeast cells to maintain full fitness to the end of life (see our bioRxiv manuscript). Excitingly, this rewiring involves highly conserved pathways and we now have both mouse mutants and human ESC cells ready to test how equivalent metabolic changes influence ageing and response to diet in mammals. Analysing these mutants will be the initial aim for this PDRA position, utilising a wide variety of molecular methods, with a particular focus on sequencing methods in which we have a particular specialisation.

This position would suit a candidate with a background in mechanistic studies of metabolism, epigenetics or DNA biology and experience with using mice as a model system. Experience in analysis of high throughput data would be a major advantage (not necessarily sequencing – metabolomic or proteomic skills would be a useful addition to the lab), and a keen interest in ageing research will be vital.

In addition to the research role the successful applicant will assist the group leader in lab management and student supervision.

This is a 3-year appointment in the first instance but with the potential to become open-ended if successful.

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 £34,500 per annum, if you have not yet been awarded your PhD. All newly appointed postdocs will commence on the salary/scale point that reflects the number of years' post-PhD experience they hold on 30th June in the calendar year they commence employment.

Closing date for applications is Tuesday, 10th February 2026.

However, we reserve the right to close the vacancy early depending on the volume of applications received.

The Babraham Institute welcomes applications from all sections of society.

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 abides by the principles of the government’s Disability Confident Scheme and has a positive approach to employing disabled people.

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