Research Assistant/Associate in Systems Microbiology (Fixed Term)

Camwebdir; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 33,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Cambridge Department of Engineering seeks a Research Assistant/Associate to explore how bacterial physiology shapes bacteriophage infection in the Bakshi Lab. The project integrates genetics, phage biology and single-cell imaging to test causal mechanisms under defined conditions.

The appointment is fixed-term for 24 months, with a competitive salary for Research Assistant/Associate roles and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration in microbiology, engineering and

Qualifications

• PhD in Microbiology, Phage Biology or related field.
• Hands-on bacterial microbiology and genetic engineering experience.
• Experience with microscopy and quantitative data analysis.
• Familiarity with dormancy, persistence or stress physiology preferred.

Responsibilities

• Construct bacterial strains and reporters.
• Establish phage-host systems and perform infection assays.
• Use fluorescence or time-lapse microscopy to link pre-infection state to outcomes.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team.

Skills

Bacterial genetics

Genetic engineering

Bacteriophage methods

Microscopy

Python

R

Single-cell imaging

Microfluidics

Data analysis

Education

PhD in Microbiology

Tools

Fluorescence microscopy

Job description

We are seeking a creative and highly motivated Research Assistant/Associate to join Dr Somenath Bakshi's research group in the Department of Engineering. The project will investigate how bacterial physiological state shapes bacteriophage infection. We aim to determine how dormancy, nutrient limitation, growth transitions and stress generate transient phage resistance or tolerance, identify the underlying mechanisms, and distinguish cells that prevent productive infection from those that become infected but survive or delay killing.

The post is based in Central Cambridge, UK.

The successful applicant will combine bacterial genetics, genetic engineering and experimental phage biology to perturb host physiology and test causal mechanisms. The work will include constructing bacterial strains and reporters, establishing phage-host systems, performing quantitative infection assays under defined physiological conditions, and using fluorescence or time-lapse microscopy to link pre‑infection state to infection outcome. The post holder will work with the Bakshi Lab's single‑cell phage infection platform (https://www.bakshilab.net/) and an interdisciplinary team spanning microbiology, engineering and quantitative modelling.

Applicants should have obtained, or be close to obtaining, a PhD in Microbiology, Molecular Microbiology, Phage Biology, Synthetic Biology, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, or a related discipline. Strong hands‑on experience in bacterial microbiology, genetic engineering and bacteriophage methods is essential, together with some exposure to microscopy and quantitative data analysis. Experience with dormancy, persistence or stress physiology, bacterial defence systems, single‑cell imaging, microfluidics, image analysis, Python or R would be advantageous.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.

Salary Ranges:

• Research Assistant: £33,002 - £35,608
• Research Associate: £37,694 - £46,049

Fixed‑term: The funds for this post are available for 24 months in the first instance.

If you have any questions about this vacancy, please contact Liz Elias (Group Administrator) via email at [e-mail].

Please quote reference NM50835 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.