Research Associate in Synthetic/Molecular Biology and Microbiology

Contamination of the natural environment with xenobiotics causes significant challenges in terms of containment and remediation. In these polluted environments microbial communities have been shown to evolve and adapt to grow in the presence of xenobiotics by resistance, decomposition and/or assimilation of the foreign substance. These native organisms offer potential direct nature-based solutions themselves, via the use of microbial organism-based bioremediation and enhancement of plant growth promoting properties. However, competition with the resident microbiota and environmental challenges can severally hinder the persistence of the introduced species and lead to limited modification of the indigenous community. Many of the genes required for environmental bioremediation (such as heavy metal resistance cassettes) form part of the bacterial accessory genome and have been acquired through horizontal gene transfer (HGT) mediated by mobile genetic elements. Conjugative plasmids offer the potential to engineer microbiomes in situ by transferring the genes of interest (via HGT) into species already resident in the microbiome, thus overcoming issues of limited persistence of introduced strains.

This project will seek to use Synthetic Biology approaches to develop a conjugative plasmid-based platform for bioremediation of contaminated environments. Specifically, by engineering plasmid-encoded degradative and catabolic biosynthetic pathways for bioremediation, for example the removal and assimilation of plastic derived breakdown products. This will provide novel approaches as a means of decontamination and environmental regeneration.

As this role involves research at a postgraduate level, applicants who are not an EEA national or a national of an exempt country and who will require sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route of the UK Visas and Immigration’s (UKVI) Points Based System in order to take up the role, will be required to apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Certificate and will need to obtain this prior to making any official visa application UKVI)

The School is strongly committed to promoting equality and diversity, including the Athena SWAN charter for gender equality in higher education. The School holds a Silver Award which recognises their good practice in relation to gender; including flexible working arrangements, family-friendly policies, and support to allow staff achieve a good work-life balance. We particularly welcome applications from women for this post. All appointment will be made on merit. For further information, please visit: http://www.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk/about-us/athena-swan/

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

Blended working arrangements may be considered     

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

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Dr Neil Dixon

Email: [email protected]

General enquiries:

Email: [email protected]

Technical support:

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home ​​​​​​​

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

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.