Molecular Entomologist

Keele University; Newcastle-under-Lyme; Sur place; GBP 36 000 - 44 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Competitive pay and annual increments

Generous annual leave entitlement

Career development opportunities

Health & fitness facilities on site

Cycle to work scheme

Pension scheme

Résumé du poste

Keele University is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Molecular Entomology to work on an insect-vectored bacterial disease affecting plants. The role involves delivering insect-focused lab work, unraveling vector ecology and transmission biology, and collaborating with UK and European partners.

Applicants should hold a PhD or equivalent postdoctoral experience in molecular entomology or related fields, with strong data analysis and scientific writing skills.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent postdoctoral experience in molecular entomology, plant pathology, or related discipline.
• Strong data analysis and scientific writing skills.
• Experience in insect rearing, bioassays, EPG, PCR/RT-PCR is desirable but not required.

Responsabilités

• Deliver insect-focused laboratory components of the project.
• Study the insect vector ecology and transmission biology.
• Collaborate with consortium partners in a multidisciplinary team.
• Travel within the UK and Europe for field sampling and visits.

Connaissances

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Communication

Time management

Insect rearing

Bioassays

EPG analysis

Molecular biology

Formation

PhD or equivalent postdoctoral experience

Outils

PCR

RT-PCR

DNA/RNA extraction

Description du poste

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the School of Life Sciences as a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work on an insect-vectored bacterial disease in plants. Planthoppers vector this bacterial disease which cause significant problems in parts of Europe. This role is part of a consortium led by Keele University with research partners in the UK and Germany.

The postholder will play a central role in delivering the insect-focused, laboratory components of the project, working with Dr Trisna Tungadi. They will play a critical role in unravelling the insect vector’s ecology and transmission biology. They will work alongside other consortium partners in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary research team. Strong communication, organisational, and time management skills are essential.

Applicants should hold a PhD or have equivalent postdoctoral-level work experience in molecular entomology, plant pathology, or related discipline. They should possess strong data analysis and scientific writing skills. Experience in some, but not necessarily all, of the following areas is desirable: rearing insect colonies, designing and conducting insect bioassay experiments, analysing insect probing behaviour using Electrical Penetration Graph (EPG), molecular biology techniques including DNA and RNA extractions from insects and plant materials for downstream analytical applications such as PCR, RT-PCR, qRT-PCR. Previous experience working with planthopper and bioinformatics are advantageous but not essential. The role will involve occasional travels within the UK and Europe for field sampling and research visits to partner institutions.

The Benefits

The University recognises that its success depends upon the contribution and dedication of its talented staff. We have a competitive benefits package available :

• Competitive rate of pay with annual increments within the grade (Keele Spine)
• Generous annual leave entitlement with opportunities to purchase additional leave
• Access to continued personal, professional career development
• Discounted health & fitness facilities on site
• Cycle to work scheme (subject to eligibility)
• Excellent staff pension scheme
• On site ‘outstanding’ nursery

Please note that the starting salary will typically be at the bottom of the pay scale shown above

The University is committed to operating flexible working practices wherever possible.

The University

Keele University is renowned for its exciting approach to higher education, innovative research, beautiful campus, strong community and excellent student experience. With a turnover in excess of £170 million, over 15,000 students and a total staff of approximately 2000, the University provides high quality teaching across a wide range of academic and vocational subjects and promotes world-class research. Information can be found at https://www.keele.ac.uk/about/

Keele University values equity and diversity across our workforce, ensuring our staff community is reflective of the diversity of our student population. In support of these commitment we welcome applications from individuals of Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds for all roles.

Interviews will be held: 7 or 11 December 2026

Post reference: KU00005461

Essential requirements

Please see job description and person specification.

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Molecular Entomologist

Company: Keele University Salary: from £39,560 a year, pro rata Hours: Full-time Location: Newcastle under Lyme, ST5 5BG Working pattern: On-site Job type: Temporary Posting date: 5 Nov 2026 Closing date: 22 Nov 2026