Research Associate

Opportunita; Leicester; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Leicester in Leicester, United Kingdom invites applications for a Research Associate in Microbiology and Infection. The role conducts fundamental research on staphylococcal lipoproteins, establishes mini-bioreactor systems, leads proteomics work, and investigates linear peptide production.

A PhD in Microbiology or a closely related field with first-author publications is required. You will design experiments, analyze complex datasets, and communicate findings through publications

Qualifications

• PhD in Microbiology or closely related discipline with first-author publications.
• Experience with bacterial communities, biofilms, cell-to-cell signalling and gene regulation.
• Experience with bioreactor or continuous-culture systems; protein purification or quantitative proteomics workflows.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver microbiological, biochemical and proteomic experiments.
• Analyze complex datasets and communicate findings through publications and presentations.
• Collaborate with team members and external partners to advance research outcomes.

Skills

Bacterial communities

Biofilms

Cell-to-cell signalling

Gene regulation

Quantitative proteomics

Mass spectrometry

Education

PhD in Microbiology or closely related discipline

Tools

Mass spectrometry

Bioinformatics

Job description

# Research AssociateUniversity of Leicester Leicester, United KingdomSalary: **GBP 40,704 - 46,970 per year**Application Deadline: **November 5, 2026**Position Type: **Researcher**Date Posted: **October 31, 2026**Contact Email: **[e-mail]**Source details may be limitedExplicify summary## Offer SummaryThe University of Leicester seeks a Research Associate in Microbiology and Infection to conduct fundamental research on staphylococcal lipoproteins. This UK Research and Innovation-funded role involves establishing mini-bioreactor systems, leading proteomics work, and investigating linear peptide production. The successful candidate must hold a PhD in Microbiology or a related field, with evidence of first-author publications. Key requirements include experience with bacterial communities, biofilms, cell-to-cell signalling, bioreactor systems, and quantitative proteomics. Responsibilities encompass designing experiments, analyzing complex datasets, and communicating findings through publications. The position offers a salary between £40,704 and £46,970 per annum. Applicants should possess strong organizational skills and the ability to work collaboratively within the School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences.Generated from stored offer content. Always confirm details in the official posting.## Project Description### About the roleWe are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the University of Leicester’s School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, within the Division of Microbiology and Infection. In this UK Research and Innovation-funded role, you will undertake fundamental research into the multifunctionality of staphylococcal lipoproteins. You will establish and optimise mini-bioreactor experimental systems, lead the project’s proteomics work and develop approaches for investigating the production and function of linear peptides.Working independently and collaboratively, you will design and deliver microbiological, biochemical and proteomic experiments; analyse complex datasets; and communicate high-quality findings through publications, presentations and other research outputs. You will work closely with the Research Assistant, technical colleagues and external collaborators, while helping to maintain effective laboratory operations and supporting students and other members of the research team. You will also contribute to research networks, future funding activity and the wider impact and visibility of the programme.### About youYou will hold a PhD in Microbiology or a closely related discipline and have evidence of first-author peer-reviewed publication. You will bring relevant experience of bacterial communities and interactions, microbial biofilms or class 2 bacterial pathogens, together with knowledge of bacterial cell-to-cell signalling and gene regulation. You will also have used bioreactor or continuous-culture systems and have experience of protein purification or quantitative proteomics workflows. Experience of mass spectrometry and the interpretation of mass spectrometry datasets would be advantageous.You will be able to design and deliver research independently, apply bioinformatic and statistical approaches to complex biological data, and solve experimental problems effectively. Excellent written and verbal communication, strong organisation and a collaborative approach are essential.### Additional informationFor informal enquiries, please contact Dr. Katrin Schilcher on [e-mail] part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying. More information regarding secondments can be found hereThe University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.Unable to show this video due to your cookie preferencesJob Summary Download Job\\_Summary---### Academic [e-mail]31/10/2026Last UpdateUniversity of Leicesterjobs.le.ac.uk## Apply for this positionThis application must be completed through the official university portal.Apply on official website