Research Associate in Candida One-Health genomic epidemiology

University Of Bath; Bath; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Bath is seeking a Research Associate for a 24-month fixed-term contract to investigate the epidemiology of pathogenic Candida species. The role involves a combination of bioinformatics and laboratory work, requiring a PhD and experience in relevant fields. Join a supportive environment with opportunities for professional development and a commitment to diversity.

Benefits

Free counselling services

Cycle to work scheme

Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme

Staff discount at Team Bath gym

Generous annual leave allowance

Relocation allowance

Visa reimbursement

Interest-Free Loan for immigration expenses

Qualifications

• PhD in genomic epidemiology or microbiology required.
• Experience in bioinformatics and coding (R, Python) preferred.
• Laboratory experience in microbiological methods desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement methodology to monitor Candida species from wastewater samples.
• Analyze genomic, metagenomic, and clinical data.
• Collaborate with project partners in a multidisciplinary environment.

Skills

Bioinformatics

Coding (R, Python)

Data Analysis

Education

PhD in genomic epidemiology or microbiology

Tools

qPCR

DNA extraction

Job description

About the role

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Research Associate for a 24 Month fixed-term contract to work as part of the JPIAMR funded consortium 'Fungal Genomics and Antagonistic Community Interactions' ( https://www.jpiamr.eu/projects/fugaci/ ). This project has a broad remit to investigate the epidemiology and evolution of pathogenic Candida species from both clinical and non-clinical settings on a global scale. A major focus of this post will be to develop and implement methodology to detect and monitor Candida species from wastewater samples collected routinely from sites in Bath and Somerset, UK. Genomic, metagenomic and qPCR data from these samples will be analysed alongside clinical data generated by other project partners, and existing data from the public domain. The successful candidate will therefore be expected to carry out a combination of bioinformatics and wet laboratory work.

As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up to a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year for training courses, workshops and attendance at international conferences.

The successful candidate will hold a PhD in genomic epidemiology or microbiology or a closely allied discipline. Ideally, the candidate will have experience in bioinformatics and coding (eg R, Python), and in managing and analysing large genomic / metagenomic datasets. In addition, laboratory experience in microbiological and molecular biological methods (eg qPCR, DNA extraction) would be desirable. This post is part of an international multidisciplinary consortium, and the candidate would be required to work collaboratively as an effective project partner to ensure the success of the project as a whole.

Research at The Milner Centre for Evolution encompasses diverse aspects of evolutionary biology, and we have a strong research interest in microbial genomics. The Centre, which is part of the Department of Life Sciences, provides a supportive and vigorous research environment with excellent facilities. We work closely with the newly formed Centre of Excellence in Water-based Early Warning Systems for Health protection (CWBE.ac.uk).

Additional information

This is a full time, fixed term contract for 24 months.

Please contact Prof Edward Feil ( [e-mail] ) or, Prof Barbara Kasprzyk-Hordern ( [e-mail] ) for informal enquiries.
What we can offer you
We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award . We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students, so we encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

We are very proud to be an autism friendly university and are an accredited Disability Confident Leader ; committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff .

• Free counselling services through Health Assured
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• Staff discount at Team Bath gym
• Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees
• Staff discount on language courses
• Generous employer contributory pension schemes
• Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
• A wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and more
• Free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
• Local discounts and more
• A family-friendly workplace
• An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
• Relocation allowance
• Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses

We are committed to continually expanding our benefits to better support you and enhance your experience with us. Find out more about our benefits .

Find out from our staff what makes the University of Bath a great place to work. Follow us @UniofBath and @UniofBathJobs on X for more information.

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Further details:

• Job Description & Person Specification

• Terms and Conditions of Employment

We are constantly seeking to reduce the unconscious bias that enters any assessment process, with the goal of creating an inclusive and equal assessment process. To support this, personal details such as your name, may be removed from application forms at the initial shortlisting stage.