A Postdoctoral Research Assistant position is available at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) in Prof Conrad Mullineaux’s group to work on “Flocculation in cyanobacteria: from mechanism to ecology” funded by the Leverhulme Trust. The project aims to understand the mechanistic basis for self-recognition and aggregation in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis and to understand the advantages that this complex behaviour may confer in the wild. The project involves mutagenesis, imaging and fluorescence microscopy in the lab, combined with collection and analysis of field samples. The project is a collaboration with Prof Mark Trimmer (QMUL) and Prof Annegret Wilde (University of Freiburg, Germany).
The successful candidate should have a PhD (or be close to completion) in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Life Sciences or a related field. They should provide evidence of expertise in general molecular biology techniques (PCR, plasmid assembly) and microbiology. Experience in fluorescence microscopy and environmental microbiology is desirable. The post holder will be expected to carry out lab studies involving mutagenesis, fluorescence imaging and immunofluorescence microscopy, to analyse co-cultures of Synechocystis with other bacteria and to collect and analyse field samples. They will also prepare manuscripts using high-quality data, make oral presentations and help supervise postgraduate students.
QMUL is one of the top research-led universities in the UK and was ranked 9th among the UK multi-faculty universities in the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014). All postdoctoral researchers are part of the Queen Mary Doctoral College, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.
At QMUL, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable. Throughout our history, we’ve fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence and we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it’s simply ‘the right thing to do’ but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers.
We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.
The post is full-time and available until 30th September 2023. The start date is March 2022 or as soon as possible thereafter.
We offer access to a generous pension scheme, 30 days’ leave per annum (pro-rata for fixed-term), season ticket loan scheme and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, and campus facilities including an on-site nursery at the Mile End campus.
Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability.
For information about the School, please visit:
https://www.qmul.ac.uk/sbcs/To apply, please click on the link above
The closing date for applications is 1st February 2022. Interviews will be held shortly thereafter.
The School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences holds a Silver Athena SWAN Award. We are committed to the equality of opportunities.
Valuing Diversity & Committed to Equality
