Research Associate in Microbial Evolution

We are seeking a postdoctoral research associate in microbial evolution as part of an interdisciplinary consortium developing synthetic phage technologies for use in phage therapy.

Phage therapy is a promising alternative to antibiotics and is likely be an important part of the response to the global antimicrobial resistance crisis. Synthetic phages offer huge potential to deliver bespoke therapeutics. This project will develop synthetic phage technologies and this role will investigate their effectiveness as therapeutics and their eco-evolutionary biology.

This position provides an excellent opportunity for ambitious researchers interested in applying ecological and evolutionary approaches to develop synthetic phage therapeutics to combat antibiotic resistance as part of an interdisciplinary team. The postholder will be embedded in a large community of microbial ecology and evolution researchers in Manchester, and will be encouraged to develop new lines of research and collaborations within the consortium.

The postholder will be based at University of Manchester within the group of Michael Brockhurst, but will collaborate closely with the groups of the consortium: Patrick Cai (Manchester Institute of Biotechnology), Joanne Fothergill and Aras Kadioglu (University of Liverpool), Edze Westra and Stineke van Houte (University of Exeter).

You should have a PhD (or equivalent) in evolutionary biology or evolutionary microbiology and experience of microbial evolution research. Candidates with training in experimental evolution and / or the evolution of phages are strongly encouraged to apply.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to [email protected] .

Any CVs submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Prof. Michael Brockhurst

Email: [email protected]

General enquiries:

Email: [email protected]

Technical support: jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.