Research Associate: Horizontal Gene Transfer

University of Sheffield - Faculty of Science - School of Biosciences

Location: Sheffield, Hybrid

Salary: £38,784 to £42,254 per annum.

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 28th November 2025

Closes: 9th January 2026

Job Ref: 1951

Working Pattern: 100% FTE

Are you a motivated and creative molecular biologist with a passion for plant–genome analysis? We have an exciting opportunity in the School of Biosciences for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join Dr Luke Dunning’s research group. This is an excellent opportunity to play a central role in a pioneering, interdisciplinary project on genome evolution and adaptation in plants.

In this role, you will lead bioinformatic and phylogenomic analyses to identify and characterise Horizontal Gene Transfer (HGT) events across flowering plants. Analyse whole-genome Illumina datasets from natural populations to estimate the rate and fitness effects of HGT in natural settings. Participate in field sampling and molecular laboratory work as required. Collaborate closely with project partners across the Universities of Sheffield, Edinburgh, Oxford, and Bangor to ensure effective data sharing, analysis coordination, and synthesis of results contributing to publications, presentations, and project reporting, and work collaboratively with PhD students, research technicians.

Applicants must have a PhD (or equivalent postdoctoral level work experience) in a relevant area along with a proven track record of research in an appropriate area of biology. Expertise in developing bioinformatic pipelines and experience of phylogenomic analysis are also essential. You will be able to work independently, manage your time effectively, and communicate clearly within a multidisciplinary team. Enthusiasm, curiosity, and a collaborative mindset are also essential.

At the University of Sheffield, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a competitive annual leave entitlement, flexible working opportunities, a generous pension scheme, and a commitment to your professional development and wellbeing.

Find out more at sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits and join us to become part of something special.

We build teams of people from diverse heritages and lifestyles whose talents and contributions complement each other to greatest effect. We believe diversity in all its forms delivers greater impact through research, teaching, and student experience.