Research Fellow in Molecular Microbiology (112607)

About the Role

We are seeking a motivated postdoctoral scientist to join our interdisciplinary team tackling the threat of AMR in the human pathogen Clostridioides difficile. You will join the Clostridial Cell Biology Group in the School of Life Sciences at Warwick University and work closely with the biochemists, evolutionary biologists, bioinformaticians, statisticians and clinical microbiologists on the wider team in the Universities of Sheffield, Manchester and Leeds. We will analyse the propensity for C. difficile to evolve resistance to the frontline therapeutic vancomycin, the consequences, genetic basis and mechanisms of resistance and develop the evidence base needed to inform effective treatment in the future.

You will:

• Be responsible for the molecular biology and experimental evolution aspects of the programme.
• Lead on the writing of research publications and interim reports and prepare material and present at national and international conferences and research seminars.
• Assist in the supervision of PhD, masters and undergraduate students.

Any requests for further information about the role can be directed to  Prof. Rob Fagan  r.fagan@sheffield.ac.uk

Hybrid Working: Please note this is an on-campus based role due to the nature of the work, therefore we cannot accommodate any work from home basis

We and the wider University of Warwick environment offer substantial opportunities for professional development including regular opportunities to attend international conferences.

For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description (link here).

About You

We are looking for someone with broad expertise in bacterial molecular biology. The ideal applicant should have proficiency in:

• Safe handling of HG2 microorganisms, sufficient to maintain the integrity of a long-term evolution experiment. Experience of anaerobic microbiology is a plus but not essential.
• Purification and analysis of macromolecules including DNA, RNA and protein.
• Cloning and mutagenesis of microorganisms using standard techniques.
• Microscopic imaging of live and fixed bacteria using a range of imaging modalities.

PhD Status

If you are near submission of your PhD, or have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made at Research Assistant level, at the highest spinal point of pay grade 5 (£35,302 per annum).

Upon receipt of evidence confirming the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow, at the lowest spinal point of grade 6 (£36,320 per annum).

About the Department

Our £4M MRC programme across the Universities of Warwick, Sheffield, Manchester and Leeds brings together Molecular Microbiologists, Biochemists, Evolutionary Biologists, Statisticians, Bioinformaticians and Clinical Microbiologists to generate the crucial data needed to guide C. difficile treatment in the future. Please note that the appointment is subject to the funding being awarded.  This post will be in the research group of Robert Fagan at the School of Life Sciences at University of Warwick (https://sites.google.com/sheffield.ac.uk/fagan-lab/clostridial-cell-biology-group) and is available for up to 4 years.

School of Life Sciences

For further information about the School of Life Sciences please see our website.

We believe that collegiality, openness, inclusivity and diversity are essential for an excellent research and teaching environment. Our workplace ethic has enabled us to gain the Athena SWAN Silver award. We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applications from all groups with protected characteristics traditionally under-represented in STEM fields. As part of our ongoing commitment to addressing gender equality under the Athena Swan chartermark, we would particularly encourage and welcome applications from female academics.

How to Apply

To apply please complete your essential personal details and attach a CV and cover letter by the closing date stated.

We will review applications throughout the advertising period and may contact shortlisted candidates before the closing date. We therefore encourage interested applicants to submit their application as early as possible. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a sufficient number of suitable applications. 

Applications should include a CV and a covering letter expressing the reasons for your interest in this post.  Within this information you should demonstrate how you meet the requirements of this role by specific reference to each of the essential, and where applicable, desirable criteria detailed in the person specification. 

This information will be used in the shortlisting process and without this evidence we may not be able to shortlist your application.

Please note that if you do not evidence the essential requirements, we may not be able to shortlist your application.

As part of our ongoing commitment to addressing gender equality under the Athena Swan chartermark, we would particularly encourage and welcome applications from female academics.

In your application, you can also include any career breaks you may have taken (e.g. parental/caring/long-term sick leave, part-time work, secondments) or any periods where you were unable or restricted to work because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The interviews will be held in December, date to be confirmed.