"Postdoctoral Research Associate"

The University of Edinburgh - College of Science & Engineering - School of Biological Sciences - Institute of Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology

Location: Edinburgh

Salary: £41,064 to £48,822 (Grade 7)

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 11th November 2025

Closes: 9th December 2025

Job Ref: 13336

Full time: 35 hours per week

Fixed term: 24 months

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the team of Prof. Garry Blakely to work on a project investigating polysaccharide biosynthesis in the bacterial genus Streptococcus. Prof. Blakely’s lab studies fundamental aspects of microbial physiology with a focus on enhancing industrial applications related to polysaccharide production. The overall goal is to use an engineering biology approach to study carbohydrate metabolism and generate bacterial strains with enhanced properties useful for industrial processes.

This post is advertised as full-time (35 hours per week), however, we are open to considering flexible working patterns.

The Opportunity:

This BBSRC-funded project, in collaboration with an industrial partner, will provide the postholder with the opportunity to carry out in-depth analysis of regulatory mechanisms controlling carbohydrate metabolism in the genus Streptococcus. Along with the chance to hone fundamental skills in microbiology, molecular biology and biochemistry, the research will involve multi-omics approaches including RNA-seq and metabolomics.

Your skills and attributes for success:

• PhD in relevant field (e.g. microbiology, molecular biology)
• Experience of bacterial genetics and biochemistry
• Experience of developing and optimising new techniques
• Experience in presenting, writing and publishing research
• Enthusiasm to work collaboratively and develop new skills