Research Assistant (Bacterial Evolution)

Queen's University Belfast - School of Biological Sciences

We are seeking to appoint a Research Assistant in Bacterial Evolution to join the UKRI FLF-funded research group of Dr Rachel Wheatley, based in the School of Biological Sciences at Queen’s University Belfast.

Species interactions are a fundamental comonent of bacterial infections. Yet, when, and how these interactions impact the response of a bacterial pathogen to antibiotics is currently not clear. The appointee for this position will: (1) conduct research into how microbial interactions impact antibiotic resistance in bacterial pathogens, and (2) assist in the general running of the research laboratory, with tasks such as lab ordering, autoclaving, and supporting team members with experiments.

The successful candidate will be involved in conducting experiments to investigate how antibiotic resistance mutations impact bacterial virulence in a Galleria mellonella model, and experiments to investigate how antibiotic resistance evolves in microbial communities. They will support running of the research laboratory via tasks such as consumable ordering, lab meeting schedules, and supporting team members with experiments.

About the person:

The successful candidate must have, and your application should clearly demonstrate that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Hold a Degree in a relevant area (e.g. biological sciences, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry).
• Specific, relevant and demonstratable research experience in experimental lab work.
• Experience in working with microorganisms.
• Experience of statistical analyses and appropriate software e.g. R and R Studio.
• Experience of working in a team.

To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information.

This is a fixed term post for 30 months. Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but in particular circumstances may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding.

What we offer:

Beyond a competitive salary, the University offers an attractive benefits package including a holiday entitlement of up to 8.4 weeks a year, pension schemes and development opportunities. We support staff wellbeing with flexible working options, work-life balance initiatives and support for physical and mental health. You can find more detail on all of this and more on our website.

Queen's University is committed to promoting equality of opportunity to all. We subscribe to Equality Charter Marks such as the Diversity Charter Mark NI and Athena Swan and have established staff networks such as iRise (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and International Staff Network) and PRISM (LGBTQ+) which help us progress equality. For further information on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, please visit our website.

If you are an international applicant and don't already hold a visa that permits you to take up the role you are applying for, please use the information provided on our website to self-assess whether the University is likely to be able to support a visa application.