Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of Exeter - Faculty of Health and Life Sciences

We have an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join Dr Johannes Rack’s team within the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter. This MRC funded post is available from 5th January 2026 (or as soon as possible after this date) on a fixed term contract until 31st March 2028.

The post

Johannes Rack’s team focuses on the understanding of the role of ADP-ribosylation signalling in the regulation of Aspergillus fumigatus (patho)physiology with emphasis on DNA damage response (DDR) pathways. This multidisciplinary project aims to elucidate both the underlying molecular mechanisms as well as the physiological outcomes of ADP-ribosylation signalling on fungal survival, virulence, and diseases progression.

As post-holder you will be responsible for the characterisation of candidate ‘writer’ and ‘eraser’ genes involved in ADP-ribosylation signal establishment and removal. The work will involve in-depth elucidation of the underlying molecular mechanisms and defining the influence of ADP-ribosylation signalling on Aspergillus physiology and pathogenicity. Typical techniques will include the establishment and maintenance of A. fumigatus KO and complementation strains as well as evaluation of their morphological (growth behaviour, stress tolerance, etc.) and (patho)physiological (e.g. infection models (incl. Galleria and cell culture)) characteristics.

About you

You will possess a relevant PhD, or nearing completion, in a related field of study. Experience in Aspergillus cultivation and genetics, Galleria mellonella virulence model as well as microscopy are essential. Cell culture, mouse handling and histological experience(s) are highly desirable. An ability to work collaboratively across the disciplines of microbiology, biochemistry, and structural biology –particularly around DNA repair – would also be an advantage.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career
• A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy
• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon.

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024). We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes.

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community.

Further information

For further information please contact Dr Johannes Rack (j.rack@exeter.ac.uk).