Postdoctoral Research Associate

Faculty of Health and Life Sciences

This new full-time post is immediately available until 30 April 2024 on a fixed term basis.

This role offers the opportunity for hybrid working – some time on campus and some from home.

We welcome applications from candidates interested in working part-time hours or job-sharing arrangements.

The post

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate to support the work of Dr Bertram Daum. The Daum lab (daumlab.exeter.ac.uk ) investigates the structure, function and biotechnological applications of archaeal cell-surface proteins. By combining genetically engineered cell surface proteins, nanotechnology and microrobotics, the successful candidate will help create an innovative drug delivery platform.

The post will include:

• Bacterial, archaeal and mammalian cell culture
• Protein expression and purification
• Functionalisation of surface proteins and nanoparticles
• In vitro testing of drug delivery
• Confocal fluorescent light microscopy (cFLM)
• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
• Cryo electron microscopy (cryoEM)

This ERC-funded post is available immediately.

About you

The successful applicant is required to be motivated and demonstrate good knowledge of the topic, possess excellent problem solving, interpersonal and communication skills and a collaborative spirit, combined with an ability to independently pursue their research.

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD (or be nearing completion) in a related field of study and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes.

Expertise in cell culture, biochemistry and fluorescence microscopy are essential, experience in handling and functionalising nanoparticles is desirable.

The candidate will be able to present their research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role by clicking on the attachment.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career

• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon.

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 150 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023 and the 2022 Academic Ranking of World Universities released by Shanghai Rankings). 

Our research income in recent years means we’re the fastest growing UK Research University with some of the world’s most influential scientists, and we seek to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today. More than 99% of our research is of international quality and our world-leading research impact is growing faster than any other Russell Group university (2021 Research Excellence Framework). We are using the power of our education and research to create a sustainable, healthy and socially just future.  Our shared purpose and vision continually moves us forward to make a difference to our people, our communities, our partners and the world around us.  Read about our world leading research on Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO City of Literature

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. Reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer.

For further information please contact Dr Bertram Daum, e-mail [email protected] or telephone (01392) 727455.

Interviews are expected to take place in June 2023.