Postdoctoral Research Associate

Exeter; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Exeter invites applications for a part‑time Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a BBSRC‑funded programme focused on host‑pathogen interactions using Galleria mellonella as a model.

The post is based in the Department of Biosciences and Living Systems Institute and forms part of a major project investigating immune responses and antimicrobial discovery. A PhD and strong publication record are essential.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field with strong publication record.
• Ability to present research progress and write proposals to external bodies.
• Experience coordinating across multiple labs or groups.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate activities across collaborating laboratories.
• Generate fluorescent pathogen strains and conduct infection biology experiments.
• Perform flow cytometry‑based analyses of pathogen engulfment by insect immune cells.
• Prepare biological samples and datasets for downstream analyses (transcriptomic/genomic).

Skills

Infection biology

Flow cytometry

Transcriptomics

Experimental design

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Education

PhD in a related field

Tools

Flow cytometer

Job description

About The Role

Postdoctoral Research Associate

INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY

This part-time (0.5FTE) post is available from 1st November 2026.

This post is offered as a fixed term contract and is funded by BBSRC until 30 June 2027.

In line with the University’s fair employment for all principles, any further funding opportunities identified will be reviewed and discussed during the contract.

Salary will be £34,610 - £38,784 (pro rata) on Grade E for the Postdoctoral Research Associate level, subject to knowledge, skills and experience.

The Role

Faculty of Health and Life Sciences

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join an exciting and ambitious research programme investigating host‑pathogen interactions using the wax moth Galleria mellonella as a sophisticated model of infection and immunity. The post is based within the Department of Biosciences and the Living Systems Institute and forms part of a major BBSRC‑funded research programme focused on understanding immune responses to clinically important bacterial and fungal pathogens and developing innovative transgenic "sensor moth" technologies for antimicrobial discovery and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) research.

The post holder will coordinate activities across multiple collaborating laboratories, generating fluorescent bacterial and fungal pathogen strains, undertaking infection biology experiments, delivering flow cytometry‑based analyses of pathogen engulfment by insect immune cells, and generating high‑quality biological samples and datasets that underpin downstream transcriptomic, genomic and functional analyses. They will be part of the rapidly growing Galleria mellonella Research Centre, working within a highly collaborative environment with access to world‑class facilities in cytomics, sequencing, bioimaging and molecular biosciences.

About You

Postdoctoral Research Associate:

You will hold a PhD in molecular biology, genetics, developmental biology, infection biology, microbiology, cell biology or a closely related discipline and will have an excellent publication record appropriate to career stage. The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.

You will bring specialist expertise in the following areas:

• Both bacterial and fungal host‑pathogen interactions and infection biology
• Galleria mellonella as an experimental model system
• Flow cytometry and cellular immune responses
• Transcriptomic‑related sample preparation
• Coordinating activities involving multiple stakeholders or research groups
• Experimental design, data analysis and scientific communication

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

Further information

Potential candidates are encouraged to contact Professor James Wakefield at [e-mail] who can provide the full context of this appointment.

About Us

Transform Your Career and Help Shape a Greener, Healthier, and Fairer Future

Join the University of Exeter, a top 200 Russell Group university (QS & THE World University Rankings 2025), excelling in teaching (triple Gold rating, TEF 2023) and leading groundbreaking research in the beautiful southwest of England.

We are committed to understanding different cultures and perspectives, supporting diverse leadership, and striving for social justice. We encourage applications from all groups underrepresented in our community, including racially minoritised individuals and those with disabilities. Our inclusive, merit based recruitment processes seek to embrace a diverse set of experiences to ensure colleagues feel supported equitably. With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 140 countries, we foster a culture where everyone can thrive.

You can read more about our current accreditations and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here, including our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

What we can offer you:

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines;
• Support teams that understand the University wide teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly;
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development;
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supports high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career;
• A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy;
• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon/Cornwall.

How we can help

If you are considering applying and need support to do so, please get in touch with us at [e-mail]. You can request reasonable adjustments within your application or by contacting us. You can also choose to be considered under our Disability Confident Scheme and find out here how this is managed during our recruitment and onboarding process.