Research Associate/Fellow (FTC)

University of Nottingham; Derry/Londonderry; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An academic institution in Northern Ireland is seeking a researcher specializing in bacterial biofilms. This role involves conducting advanced research, writing scientific papers, and collaborating with industry partners. Candidates should possess a PhD in Microbiology and extensive experience with genetic manipulation and RNA analysis. This full-time position offers an opportunity to work within a multidisciplinary team until November 2026.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience working with genetic manipulation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and bacterial biofilms.
• Experience in Northern blots and EMSAs for studying bacterial regulatory RNAs.
• Advantageous to have experience in confocal microscopy and quantifying antimicrobial sensitivity.

Responsibilities

• Interact with researchers from NBIC and partner institutions.
• Write scientific research papers to high standards.
• Assist with the preparation of project proposals for industry and grant applications.

Skills

Genetic manipulation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Bacterial biofilms

Molecular biology

RNAseq preparation and analysis

Confocal microscopy

Antimicrobial sensitivity quantification

Education

PhD in Microbiology or relevant subject area

Job description

Overview

Applications are invited to the above role to have specific responsibility for carrying out fundamental and translational research and develop proposals for research projects within the National Biofilm Innovation Centre (NBIC) at Nottingham University.

Closing Date Thursday 25 September 2025

Reference MED221525

Responsibilities

• Interact with the researchers from NBIC at Nottingham and the other leading and partner institutions;
• Interact in a professional manner with industrial partners in a highly multidisciplinary environment;
• Work to very tight deadlines and manage multiple projects;
• Report regularly to industrial partners and members of NBIC both in the form of formal written reports and oral presentation;
• Support NBIC training activities and the supervision of postgraduate researchers and visitors within the centre;
• Write scientific research papers to high standards;
• Assist with the preparation of project proposals for industry and grant applications.

Qualifications

The position requires extensive experience working with genetic manipulation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and bacterial biofilms, including molecular biology such as the construction of reporter fusions, mutagenesis and transcriptomic analysis. Extensive experience in the study of bacterial regulatory RNAs including Northern blots and EMSAs and in RNAseq preparation and analysis is also required. It would be very advantageous to have experience in confocal microscopy and quantifying antimicrobial sensitivity plus the use of in vitro virulence factor bioassays.

Candidates must hold a PhD (or close to completion) in Microbiology or relevant subject area.

Details

This full-time (36.25 hour), fixed-term post is available from 1 September 2025 to 30 November 2026. Job share arrangements may be considered.

How to apply

If you are interested about this post, please click 'apply now' and upload a copy of your CV and cover letter.

Enquiries

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Professor Kim Hardie: [e-mail]

Please note that applications sent directly to this e-mail address will not be accepted.