Research Associate in Placental Development

Research Associate in Placental Development

University of Cambridge

Cambridge, United Kingdom

Applications are invited for an enthusiastic and highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the laboratory of Professor Amanda Sferruzzi-Perri in the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience (PDN).

The Sferruzzi-Perri Laboratory investigates the aetiology of pregnancy complications and the regulation of fetal and placental development within wider physiological and environmental contexts.

The Role:

The successful applicant will investigate how placental development and function contribute to pregnancy outcomes in the context of maternal heat exposure. Maternal exposure to acute and chronic heat stress is associated with adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes, yet the underlying pathophysiological pathways remain poorly defined. This project, aims to address this gap by analysing data and biological samples from a longitudinal cohort study of pregnant women in The Gambia. The postholder will analyse blood and placental samples to determine how heat exposure and other environmental stressors affect placental structure, function, and molecular regulation. This data will be integrated with maternal physiological measures (from wearable devices), materno-placental blood flow assessments (ultrasound), and pregnancy and neonatal outcomes.

About You:

Applicants should hold (or be close to completing) a PhD in a relevant field such as physiology, developmental biology, or reproductive biology, with a strong background in pregnancy and/or developmental physiology research.

You will have:

• A proven track record of research productivity and the ability to manage and complete multiple, complementary projects;
• Experience working with clinical data and human samples;
• Expertise in RNA sequencing or other high-throughput molecular techniques;
• Strong skills in bioinformatics, histological analysis, and integration of complex, multi-modal datasets.