Research Associate: Horizontal Gene Transfer

University of Sheffield; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Sheffield is looking for a motivated Research Associate to engage in cutting-edge research on Horizontal Gene Transfer in flowering plants. The role involves bioinformatic and phylogenomic analyses, working closely with interdisciplinary partners from multiple universities. Candidates must have a PhD in a relevant field and expertise in bioinformatics and phylogenomics. The institution offers competitive benefits, professional development, and a focus on diversity in the workplace.

Benefits

Competitive annual leave

Flexible working opportunities

Generous pension scheme

Qualifications

• Proven track record of research in relevant biology areas.
• Expertise in developing bioinformatic pipelines.
• Experience with phylogenomics analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead bioinformatic and phylogenomic analyses for HGT events.
• Analyse whole-genome datasets and estimate HGT in natural settings.
• Collaborate across universities for data sharing and project reporting.

Skills

Bioinformatics

Phylogenomics analysis

Data analysis

Molecular biology

Education

PhD in relevant area

Job description

Research Associate: Horizontal Gene Transfer

CAPTION: Job details

• Posting date: 28 November 2025
• Hours: Full time
• Closing date: 28 December 2025
• Location: Sheffield, S10 2TN
• Company: University of Sheffield
• Job type: Temporary
• Job reference: 1951-43810795

Summary

University of Sheffield

• Working Pattern: 100% FTE
• Faculty: Faculty of Science
• School: School of Biosciences

Are you a motivated and creative molecular biologist with a passion for plant-genome analysis? We have an exciting opportunity in the School of Biosciences for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join Dr Luke Dunning's research group. This is an excellent opportunity to play a central role in a pioneering, interdisciplinary project on genome evolution and adaptation in plants.

In this role, you will lead bioinformatic and phylogenomic analyses to identify and characterise Horizontal Gene Transfer (HGT) events across flowering plants. Analyse whole-genome Illumina datasets from natural populations to estimate the rate and fitness effects of HGT in natural settings. Participate in field sampling and molecular laboratory work as required. Collaborate closely with project partners across the Universities of Sheffield, Edinburgh, Oxford, and Bangor to ensure effective data sharing, analysis coordination, and synthesis of results contributing to publications, presentations, and project reporting, and work collaboratively with PhD students, research technicians.

Applicants must have a PhD (or equivalent postdoctoral level work experience) in a relevant area along with a proven track record of research in an appropriate area of biology. Expertise in developing bioinformatic pipelines and experience of phylogenomics analysis are also essential. You will be able to work independently, manage your time effectively, and communicate clearly within a multidisciplinary team. Enthusiasm, curiosity, and a collaborative mindset are also essential.

At the University of Sheffield, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a competitive annual leave entitlement, flexible working opportunities, a generous pension scheme, and a commitment to your professional development and wellbeing.

We build teams of people from diverse heritages and lifestyles whose talents and contributions complement each other to greatest effect. We believe diversity in all its forms delivers greater impact through research, teaching, and student experience.

Find out more at sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits and join us to become part of something special.