Research Associate or Senior Research Associate in molecular biology and bacterial membrane dynamics

The School of Chemistry is seeking to appoint a 2-year fixed term full-time (Senior) Research Associate as part of a Royal Society and Tata funded projecy led by PI-Naafs. The postholder will be part of the Organic Geochemistry Unit (OGU) as well as a broader network of molecular biologists (e.g., Prof. Tom Williams) and organic/biological chemists (e.g., Prof. Matthew Crump) at Bristol.

We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Information on our policies and strategy is available (https://www.bristol.ac.uk/chemistry/edi/ ), and we strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds, especially those historically underrepresented. We’re committed to providing mentorship and an inclusive working environment.

Please include a full CV and a brief (2-page) cover letter that includes i) a statement on how your experience fits this role, how this post will advance your research vision, and what skills you bring to the OGU, ii) what you consider the main challenges regarding our understanding of archaeal type membrane lipids in bacteria, and iii) your experience and leadership in contributing to a collegial, inclusive and equitable research community. For further information, see:

School of Chemistry: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/chemistry/

OGU: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/chemistry/research/ogu/

The cells of life on earth, including humans, are protected from the outside environment by cell walls. These cell walls are made from organic molecules that can come in all sorts of types. The research from PI-Naafs involves combining innovative methods to constrain how and why an important group of membrane molecules, called branched GDGTs, are made.

The postholder will use recent advances in the biosynthesis pathway of brGDGTs to construct molecular clocks to determine when and how bacteria got the ability to make brGDGTs as part of their membrane. The post-holder will work closely with experts in organic geochemistry and evolutionary biology in this interdisciplinary project. The results from this research will provide fundamental insights into how organisms evolve, how their cells operate, and how they adapt to the environment.

The postholder will have a senior role in the OGU and have opportunities to mentor and supervise students; they will be supported by technicians as well as the outstanding facilities at the OGU, school of chemistry, and University of Bristol. They will also have opportunities to explore a wide range of biosynthesis questions and develop their own scientific and interdisciplinary ideas. Given the interdisciplinary nature of this role, there will be ample opportunities to collaborate across the Schools of Chemistry, Biology, Earth Sciences, Geographical Sciences, and Life Sciences.

The candidate should have:

• A honours degree (or equivalent) in Biology, Chemistry, Geosciences, or a related subject
• A PhD in Molecular Biology, Organic Geochemistry, geomicrobiology, or related disciplines
• Appointment at the Senior Research Associate level will require previous research experience and an aptitude for leadership and project supervision
• Demonstrated expertise in phylogenetics and comparative genomics.
• Demonstrated expertise in bash, HPC use, and general bioinformatics skills.
• Basic understanding of biosynthesis pathways of membrane lipids.
• Demonstrated ability to publish scientific papers, data reports, and conference presentations.
• Experience of liaison with external collaborators and organisations

For informal queries, please contact -  David Naafs [email protected]

We recently launched our strategy  to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.

The School of Chemistry is seeking to appoint a 2-year fixed term full-time (Senior) Research Associate as part of a Royal Society and Tata funded projecy led by PI-Naafs. The postholder will be part of the Organic Geochemistry Unit (OGU) as well as a broader network of molecular biologists (e.g., Prof. Tom Williams) and organic/biological chemists (e.g., Prof. Matthew Crump) at Bristol.

We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Information on our policies and strategy is available (https://www.bristol.ac.uk/chemistry/edi/ ), and we strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds, especially those historically underrepresented. We’re committed to providing mentorship and an inclusive working environment.

Please include a full CV and a brief (2-page) cover letter that includes i) a statement on how your experience fits this role, how this post will advance your research vision, and what skills you bring to the OGU, ii) what you consider the main challenges regarding our understanding of archaeal type membrane lipids in bacteria, and iii) your experience and leadership in contributing to a collegial, inclusive and equitable research community. For further information, see:

School of Chemistry: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/chemistry/

OGU: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/chemistry/research/ogu/

The cells of life on earth, including humans, are protected from the outside environment by cell walls. These cell walls are made from organic molecules that can come in all sorts of types. The research from PI-Naafs involves combining innovative methods to constrain how and why an important group of membrane molecules, called branched GDGTs, are made.

The postholder will use recent advances in the biosynthesis pathway of brGDGTs to construct molecular clocks to determine when and how bacteria got the ability to make brGDGTs as part of their membrane. The post-holder will work closely with experts in organic geochemistry and evolutionary biology in this interdisciplinary project. The results from this research will provide fundamental insights into how organisms evolve, how their cells operate, and how they adapt to the environment.

The postholder will have a senior role in the OGU and have opportunities to mentor and supervise students; they will be supported by technicians as well as the outstanding facilities at the OGU, school of chemistry, and University of Bristol. They will also have opportunities to explore a wide range of biosynthesis questions and develop their own scientific and interdisciplinary ideas. Given the interdisciplinary nature of this role, there will be ample opportunities to collaborate across the Schools of Chemistry, Biology, Earth Sciences, Geographical Sciences, and Life Sciences.

The candidate should have:

• A honours degree (or equivalent) in Biology, Chemistry, Geosciences, or a related subject
• A PhD in Molecular Biology, Organic Geochemistry, geomicrobiology, or related disciplines
• Appointment at the Senior Research Associate level will require previous research experience and an aptitude for leadership and project supervision
• Demonstrated expertise in phylogenetics and comparative genomics.
• Demonstrated expertise in bash, HPC use, and general bioinformatics skills.
• Basic understanding of biosynthesis pathways of membrane lipids.
• Demonstrated ability to publish scientific papers, data reports, and conference presentations.
• Experience of liaison with external collaborators and organisations

For informal queries, please contact -  David Naafs [email protected]

We recently launched our strategy  to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.