Research Assistant (Fixed Term)

Bioprinting New Alternative Methodologies (NAMs)

Recent breakthroughs in stem cell biology, organoid culture and bioengineering provide unprecedented opportunities to recreate complex aspects of human biology in a dish. However, current three-dimensional culture systems often lack the spatial organisation, cellular complexity and tissue architecture required to faithfully recapitulate human physiology. Here, we aim to harness next-generation bioprinting to develop clinically relevant New Alternative Methodologies (NAMs) for modelling human biology in vitro.

The Boroviak Lab are looking for a highly motivated Research Assistant to support our bioprinting efforts at the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute. The project aims to combine stem cell biology, tissue culture and bioengineering with state-of-the-art bioprinting to generate physiologically relevant three-dimensional models of human tissues. The successful candidate will work closely with members of the Boroviak Lab and our collaborators across the Stem Cell Institute to establish and characterise new bioprinted tissue models.

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the interface of stem cell biology and bioengineering, with the opportunity to develop new approaches to study human disease in vitro.

The postholder will actively contribute to our research and be responsible for the establishment, optimisation and characterisation of bioprinted tissue models. The candidate will have an excellent background in biology and previous laboratory experience. Experience with mammalian tissue culture and particularly stem cell or organoid culture would be ideal. Previous experience in bioengineering, biomaterials, three-dimensional culture or bioprinting would be advantageous, but is not essential. Most importantly, we are looking for a highly motivated, curious and collaborative individual who is keen to learn new approaches and develop innovative experimental strategies. The successful candidate will be expected to work efficiently with researchers from different scientific backgrounds and contribute positively to the collaborative research environment of the Boroviak Lab and Cambridge Stem Cell Institute.

While this is primarily a research position, the post also entails maintaining the infrastructure required for our bioprinting activities, preparation and maintenance of cell cultures, ordering of equipment and reagents, training students and visiting researchers in techniques and equipment use, as well as instructing correct safety procedures.

The Cambridge Stem Cell Institute provides a state-of-the-art and highly collaborative environment for stem cell biology. The Boroviak Lab has established collaborations with research groups across the Institute and Cambridge to develop bioprinted NAMs that reproduce complex aspects of human biology in a dish. The postholder will actively contribute to these collaborative research efforts and help establish bioprinting approaches that can be adapted to different biological questions and tissue systems.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 1 years from the start date.

To apply for this post, please submit (1) a CV and motivation letter detailing why you want to be part of this project and how this post will be a good stepping-stone for your career and

(2) the contact details for two people who can provide a professional reference. In addition, it is essential that applicant submits

(3) a two-page research outline describing how they would use bioprinting to develop a clinically relevant New Alternative Methodology. The proposal should clearly state the biological or clinical rationale, describe how the proposed model would work experimentally and explain how bioprinting would provide an advantage over existing approaches. The research outline should include illustrations of the proposed model and describe the potential experimental outcomes and their significance. Applications without this two-page research outline will not be considered.

The closing date for applications is: 23rd September 2026.

The interview date for the role is: To be confirmed

Please quote reference PS50966 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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