Research Associate Systems Microbiology

Newcastle University; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent UK university is looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to support research on Gram-negative bacterial envelope biology using systems microbiology. This role involves conducting detailed research, contributing to grant applications, and presenting findings. The position is fixed-term for 28 weeks and offers opportunities for growth in academic sciences. The university is committed to inclusivity and offers excellent benefits including generous holiday and pension schemes.

Benefits

Generous holiday package

Great pension schemes

Health and wellbeing initiatives

Qualifications

• Experience studying O‑acetylation of peptidoglycan.
• Experience with recombinant DNA manipulation.
• Ability to optimise new techniques.

Responsibilities

• Develop and carry out research projects in microbiology.
• Contribute to grant applications and write proposals.
• Present research findings at conferences.

Skills

Analytical capability

Problem-solving

Communication of complex information

Research experience

Teamwork

Self-motivation

Independence in research

Education

PhD in natural science discipline

Tools

Recombinant DNA manipulation

Chemical genomics techniques

Molecular cloning

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to join our research team. This postdoctoral Fellow will support our team in using systems microbiology approaches to dissect Gram‑negative bacterial envelope biology. O‑acetylation of the bacterial cell wall peptidoglycan is a modification that protects the cell from external lysozyme. Since its discovery in 1958, this modification has been recognised as a crucial virulence factor in several pathogenic bacteria, including both Gram‑positive and Gram‑negative species. However, its biological function in Gram‑negative bacterial cells, which possess an outer membrane that blocks the entry of lysozyme, remains unclear. Moreover, the coordination of O‑acetylation turnover with cell wall growth has not yet been understood. Utilizing a non‑model species Zymomonas mobilis, this project aims to reveal the physiological function and regulation of O‑acetylation in Gram‑negative bacterial cell wall. The post is fixed‑term for 28 weeks, from 15.12.2025 until 28 weeks thereafter. There is no possibility to extend this contract. For informal enquiries contact: Manuel Banzhaf.

Key Accountabilities

• Although working under the general guidance of an academic or Principal Investigator, the postholder will contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of their studies, thus providing substantial ‘added value’.
• Develop and carry out the specified project using appropriate techniques and equipment as outlined in the personal requirements.
• Determine appropriate methodologies for research, with advice and support where required.
• Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and, in time, develop own research objectives and proposals for funding.
• Begin to write, with appropriate support, proposals for individual research funding or, where funders do not permit this, contribute to the writing of collective bids.
• Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations.
• Contribute to the writing up of their research for publication and dissemination, either through seminar and conference presentations or through publications.
• Present research findings, either at conferences or through publications in reputable outlets appropriate to the discipline.
• May be involved in the supervision, with guidance, of final‑year undergraduate research projects and in providing support to postgraduate research students or Research Assistants.
• Will need to work with the support staff and, on occasions, with undergraduate and postgraduate students, and interact intellectually with other academic members of the Institute.
• May contribute to events celebrating the public engagement of science, social sciences or humanities.
• Develop an awareness of University structures, policies and procedures and relevant issues in the higher education, research, social and political environment
  Ability to work well as part of a team and rapidly acquire new skills.
• Detailed subject about Zymomonas mobilis peptidoglycan.
• Likelihood of advanced skills directly related to the research projects.
• High level of analytical and problem‑solving capability.
• Ability to communicate complex information with clarity and to encourage the commitment of others.
• Experience of research with clear transferable skills and some experience or awareness of the research environment.
• Presentations at conferences and/or high‑quality publications.
• Ability to optimise and troubleshoot new techniques and automation platforms.
• Experience of recombinant DNA manipulation, including molecular cloning and genome editing for Zymomonas mobilis.
• Extensive experience in studying O‑acetylation of peptidoglycan.
• Experience and understanding of using chemical genomics techniques.
• Ability to assist and help coordinate less experienced lab members, and past responsibility for undertaking managing, and reviewing risk assessments.
• Be able to demonstrate competence and success in solving biological problems through independent intellectual and practical contributions to previous research projects.

Desirable

• Candidates should be self‑driven and work independently within their research project/theme, A PhD in natural science discipline (Associate).

Attributes and Behaviour

• Candidates should be highly motivated and actively pursue a career in academic science or R&D.
• Candidates should be able to work in a team.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment.

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population. At Newcastle University we hold a Gold Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.