Research Fellow in Molecular Microbiology

Infection

Location:  Southampton General Hospital
Salary:   £33,314 to £37,474 Per annum
Full Time Fixed Term until 30/04/2024
Closing Date:  Monday 20 March 2023
Interview Date:   To be confirmed
Reference:  2193723FC

The NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at the University of Southampton is pleased to announce a Research Fellow post in Clinical & Experimental Sciences within the Faculty of Medicine. We are looking to recruit an applicant with a PhD or equivalent professional qualification with expertise in the areas of molecular biology, molecular microbiology or in-vitro diagnostics. We encourage applications from candidates who have expertise in synthetic biology, bacterial molecular genetics or the development of novel diagnostic assays. The position is Full Time on a Fixed Term contract for 12 months in the first instance. It will be an appointment within the Controlled Human Infection Group, hosted at Southampton General Hospital.

The overall purpose of the position is to develop genetically modified bacterial commensals for use in controlled human infection (CHI), along with the means to differentiate and quantify individual strains of these bacteria in samples containing multiple similar strains. This work supports a £ 3 million, Medical Research Council-funded programme grant to investigate the use of genetically modified commensal bacteria to protect humans against meningococcal disease and inform future vaccine design.

The ideal applicant will have extensive experience in the design and optimisation of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays and be a competent practitioner in multiple molecular biology techniques (see Person Specification). Extensive experience in the use of aseptic technique is essential, whilst microbiological experience and experience in making bacterial mutants are highly desirable qualities. 

The research fellow will have the opportunity to engage with other ongoing controlled human infection (CHI) studies taking place at Southampton, participate in the vibrant research culture of the University of Southampton and connect with other UK-based and international professionals in the field of controlled human infection, vaccinology and infection biology.

Southampton is a leading research university, with 92% of its research work assessed as world leading and internationally excellent in the REF 2021 assessment. UOS is a Russell group member, and its research impacts upon government policy-making, health issues, teaching and business. For this position, you will join Clinical & Experiment Sciences (CES) as part of the Controlled Human Infection Group, working closely with Dr Jay R Laver and his team.

All candidates with a PhD or equivalent professional qualifications who can explain how their experience will be able to accelerate the research programme with relevant industrial and/or academic experiences are encouraged to apply. 

The NIHR Biomedical Research Centre is a centre of excellence for translational research, with a recent award of £26 million to extend its activity for another 5-year cycle. The Faculty of Medicine holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award, demonstrating commitment to equal opportunities and gender balance in the workplace. We value diversity and equality and recognise that employees may wish to have working patterns that fit with their caring responsibilities or work-life balance. Due consideration will be given to applicants who have had career breaks for reasons including maternity, paternity or adoption leave, disability or illness. 

For further details about the post you are invited to contact Dr Jay R Laver.

Email: J.R.Laver@soton.ac.uk

Telephone: +44 (0) 2381208896

Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

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Application Procedure 

The application deadline is midnight on the closing date stated above. If you need assistance, call Recruitment on +44 (0) 23 8059 2750, or email recruitment@soton.ac.uk. Quote the advert reference on all correspondence.