Postdoctoral Research Fellow

University of Exeter - Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School

Location:ExeterSalary:The starting salary will be from £43,482 up to £46,049 on Grade F, depending on qualifications and experience.Hours:Full TimeContract Type:Fixed-Term/ContractPlaced On:22nd August 2025Closes:18th September 2025Job Ref:Q08019 The Faculty wishes to recruit a full-time (1.0 FTE) Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the laboratory of Dr. Vicki Gold. This BBSRC-funded post is available from 01/10/2025 - 30/09/2028 on a fixed-term basis.

The successful applicant will investigate the structure, dynamics, and mechanism of the bacterial Type IV pilus (T4P) machinery in the model organism Thermus thermophilus. The project will employ a multidisciplinary approach combining microbial genetics, fluorescence light microscopy, electron cryo-microscopy (cryoEM), alongside structural biology techniques.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in molecular microbiology and structural cell biology. The postholder will work within a collaborative and interdisciplinary team and will benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities.

The post will include:

• Bacterial cell culture, cloning, and protein purification in T. thermophilus.
• Sample preparation for fluorescence light microscopy and electron microscopy (negative stain & cryo-EM).
• High-resolution data collection and image processing.

Candidates will have hands-on experience in these areas and a passion for molecular biology and imaging.

About you

The successful applicant will be able to develop research objectives, projects and proposals; identify sources of research funding and contribute to the process of securing funds and make presentations at conferences and other events.

Applicants should hold a relevant PhD in a similar or related field, ideally with postdoctoral research experience. The successful applicant will be a nationally recognised authority in subject area and must demonstrate strong knowledge of the discipline, along with research methods and techniques, enabling them to contribute effectively to established research programmes. The successful applicant will also be able to work collaboratively, supervise the work of others and act as team leader as required.

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.

Further information

For further information please contact Dr. Vicki Gold, e-mail v.a.m.gold@exeter.ac.uk or telephone (01392) 721454.

The closing date for completed applications is 18th September. Interviews are expected to take place on 29th September.