Research Fellow in Molecular Microbiology (112607)

Warwick; Coventry; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Warwick is seeking a Research Fellow in Molecular Microbiology to join the Clostridial Cell Biology Group within the School of Life Sciences. The role focuses on studying AMR development in Clostridioides difficile and involves collaboration with teams across Warwick, Sheffield, Manchester and Leeds.

The post is on a fixed-term basis ending 28 August 2031, on-campus only, with a full-time schedule and salary between £36,320 and £46,970 per annum.

Qualifications

• Broad expertise in bacterial molecular biology.
• Proficiency in purification and analysis of DNA, RNA and protein.
• Cloning and mutagenesis using standard techniques.
• Experience with microscopic imaging of bacteria (live and fixed).
• Safe handling of HG2 microorganisms; anaerobic microbiology is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee molecular biology and experimental evolution aspects of the programme.
• Lead on writing research publications and interim reports; present at national/international conferences.
• Assist in supervision of PhD, masters and undergraduate students.

Skills

Bacterial molecular biology

Molecular cloning

Mutagenesis

Microscopic imaging

Anaerobic microbiology

Education

PhD in a relevant field

Tools

DNA/RNA purification

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Research Fellow in Molecular Microbiology (112607)

Job Title: Research Fellow in Molecular Microbiology (112607)

Reference: 575

Department: Life Sciences

Fixed Term End Date: 28 August 2031

Hours: Full-time (1.0 FTE)

Closing Date: Sunday 6 December 2026, 11:59 pm

Full time Salary Range: £36,320.00- £46,970.00per annum

About the Role

We are seeking a motivated postdoctoral scientist to join our interdisciplinary team tackling the threat of AMR in the human pathogen Clostridioides difficile. You will join the Clostridial Cell Biology Group in the School of Life Sciences at Warwick University and work closely with the biochemists, evolutionary biologists, bioinformaticians, statisticians and clinical microbiologists on the wider team in the Universities of Sheffield, Manchester and Leeds. We will analyse the propensity for C. difficile to evolve resistance to the frontline therapeutic vancomycin, the consequences, genetic basis and mechanisms of resistance and develop the evidence base needed to inform effective treatment in the future.

You will:

• Be responsible for the molecular biology and experimental evolution aspects of the programme.
• Lead on the writing of research publications and interim reports and prepare material and present at national and international conferences and research seminars.
• Assist in the supervision of PhD, masters and undergraduate students.

Any requests for further information about the role can be directed to Prof. Rob Fagan [e-mail]

Hybrid Working: Please note this is an on-campus based role due to the nature of the work, therefore we cannot accommodate any work from home basis

We and the wider University of Warwick environment offer substantial opportunities for professional development including regular opportunities to attend international conferences.

For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description (link here) .

About You

We are looking for someone with broad expertise in bacterial molecular biology. The ideal applicant should have proficiency in:

• Safe handling of HG2 microorganisms, sufficient to maintain the integrity of a long-term evolution experiment. Experience of anaerobic microbiology is a plus but not essential.
• Purification and analysis of macromolecules including DNA, RNA and protein.
• Cloning and mutagenesis of microorganisms using standard techniques.
• Microscopic imaging of live and fixed bacteria using a range of imaging modalities.

PhD Status

If you are near submission of your PhD, or have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made at Research Assistantlevel, at the highest spinal point of pay grade 5 (£35,302 per annum).

Upon receipt of evidence confirming the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted toResearch Fellow, at the lowest spinal point of grade 6 (£36,320 per annum).

About the Department

Our £4M MRC programme across the Universities of Warwick, Sheffield, Manchester and Leeds brings together Molecular Microbiologists, Biochemists, Evolutionary Biologists, Statisticians, Bioinformaticians and Clinical Microbiologists to generate the crucial data needed to guide C. difficile treatment in the future. Please note that the appointment is subject to the funding being awarded. This post will be in the research group of Robert Fagan at the School of Life Sciences at University of Warwick ( https://sites.google.com/sheffield.ac.uk/fagan-lab/clostridial-cell-biology-group) and is available for up to 4 years.

We believe that collegiality, openness, inclusivity and diversity are essential for an excellent research and teaching environment. Our workplace ethic has enabled us to gain the Athena SWAN Silver award. We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applications from all groups with protected characteristics traditionally under-represented in STEM fields. As part of our ongoing commitment to addressing gender equality under the Athena Swan chartermark, we would particularly encourage and welcome applications from female academics.