Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow

University of Exeter; Exeter; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow. The role focuses on studying the T cell response against the skin yeast Malassezia in atopic dermatitis. Candidates should have a relevant PhD and experience in T cell biology and immunology. The position offers collaboration with distinguished researchers and a competitive salary. The role is fixed-term, available from January 2026 for three years.

Qualifications

• Relevant PhD or nearing completion, demonstrated knowledge in research methods.
• Ability to develop research objectives and seek funding.

Responsibilities

• Present information on research progress and outcomes.
• Develop research objectives and manage own research project.

Skills

T cell biology

Skin immunology

Flow cytometry

Cell culture techniques

Animal experimentation

Strong communication skills

Education

PhD in biological sciences

Job description

Overview

This full-time fixed-term post is available from 1 January 2026 until 31 December 2028. Salary will be from £34,610 (Grade E) for the Associate level role, or from £43,482 (Grade F) for the Fellow level role, depending on qualifications and experience. The post may be subject to additional background screening.

The MRC Centre for Medical Mycology within the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow (depending on skills and experience) to join the team led by Prof. Salomé LeibundGut-Landmann. The team focuses on understanding the T cell response against the skin commensal yeast Malassezia in atopic dermatitis (eczema). The project is part of an MRC research programme in collaboration with Profs. Neil Gow, Helen Alexander and Carsten Flohr. Successful applicants will study how fungal strain variations modulate the antifungal T cell response, using in vitro and in vivo models of host–fungus interaction.

The position is available from 1 January 2026 for 3 years initially, with the possibility of a further extension (dependent on funding and performance).

Responsibilities

PDRA: Present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information orally and in writing, and prepare proposals/applications to external bodies. Collaborate across disciplines of immunology and microbiology and think creatively.

PDRF: Develop research objectives and projects; identify sources of funding and contribute to securing funds; make presentations at conferences and other events. Manage your own research project independently; provide guidance to less experienced team members; assist in research communication, including manuscript writing, conference attendance, and outreach activities.

In both roles, you will work with experience in T cell biology, skin immunology, flow cytometry, cell culture techniques and animal experimentation.

Qualifications and experience

PDRA: A relevant PhD (or nearing completion) or equivalent qualification/experience; demonstrated knowledge in the discipline and research methods; experience in T cell biology, skin immunology, flow cytometry, cell culture techniques and animal experimentation. Strong collaborative and innovative thinking is expected.

PDRF: A relevant PhD/DPhil in biological sciences with experience in T cell biology, skin immunology, flow cytometry, cell culture techniques and animal experimentation. Ability to develop research objectives, seek funding, and support junior staff; strong communication skills for manuscript writing, conference attendance and outreach; ability to manage your own project and to organise effectively.

You are expected to work collaboratively across disciplines of immunology and microbiology and to communicate experimental data effectively to scientists from a range of disciplines.

About the University

We are the University of Exeter, a member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities. We aim to combine world-class teaching with world-class research and have received Gold ratings in the Teaching Excellence Framework. Our research impact includes high-quality, international outputs and strong industry engagement.

Further information

For further information please contact Prof. Salomé Leibundgut ([e-mail]).

Closing date for completed applications: 02 November 2025. Interviews are expected to take place in November.