"Research Associate/Fellow (Fixed-Term)"

Research Associate/Fellow (Fixed-Term)

University of Nottingham - Life Sciences

Location: Nottingham

Salary: £31,387 to £46,485 per annum, depending on skills and experience (minimum £35,608 with relevant PhD). Salary progression beyond this scale is subject to performance

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 7th November 2025

Closes: 24th November 2025

Job Ref: MED264025

Applications are invited to the above role to support the principal investigator Dr Jasmine Ono in conducting research in the area of fungal biology, specifically in investigating mating and gene flow of the opportunistic pathogen Candida albicans. This post is part of a collaborative multi-national Wellcome Trust award involving academic and medical collaborative partners in the UK and South Africa with the aim of understanding the biology of adaptation in fungal pathogens. The post will use a combination of classical, genomic, molecular and bioinformatic techniques to investigate mating and its consequences between strains of Candida albicans, a common cause of fungal infections in humans. Specific aims are to investigate the ability of strains from different clades to mate, examine whether there are any post-mating barriers between clades, and determine the consequences of gene flow for temperature adaptation. The post holder will be expected to undertake independent research as well as work as part of a team. This will include using approaches or methodologies and techniques appropriate to the type of research, and they will be responsible for writing up their work to contribute to published outcomes.

The role holder will have the opportunity to use their initiative and creativity to identify areas for research, develop research methods and extend their research portfolio.

Candidates must hold a PhD, or be near to submission of a PhD, in a relevant field of Microbiology or Evolutionary Genetics, ideally involving Fungal Biology. They must understand microbial laboratory practices and have existing skills in microbial culture. They must be familiar with molecular biology techniques (e.g. DNA extraction, electrophoresis and PCR) including transformation and possess genomic and statistical analysis skills. Previous experience of working with microbes is essential, with experience of yeast, and especially Candida species, highly desirable.

This full-time fixed-term role is available immediately until 31/10/2028. To apply for the post please submit a cover letter and full academic curriculum vitae.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Jasmine Ono at jasmine.ono@nottingham.ac.uk. Please note that applications sent directly to this e-mail address will not be accepted.

The School of Life Sciences holds an Athena Swan Gold Award, in recognition of our commitment to supporting and advancing equality and inclusion in the Life Sciences.