Research Associate in Microbial Evolution

We are seeking a postdoctoral research associate in microbial evolution as part of an interdisciplinary consortium investigating the evolutionary biology of antimicrobial resistance.

Rising antimicrobial resistance is a threat to global health that is caused by microbial evolution and as such requires evolution-informed solutions. This project, funded by the Wellcome Trust, seeks to better understand and thus predict the evolution of antibiotic resistance in bacterial infections. The role will use experimental evolution to understand how pathogen genomic lineages vary in their evolvability, and how microbe-microbe interactions within the microbiome shape the evolution of antibiotic resistance.

This position provides an excellent opportunity for ambitious researchers who are interested in applying ecological and evolutionary approaches to combat antibiotic resistance as part of an interdisciplinary team. The postholder will be embedded in a large community of microbial ecology and evolution researchers in Manchester, and will be encouraged to develop new lines of research and collaborations within the consortium.

The postholder will be based at University of Manchester within the group of Michael Brockhurst, but will collaborate closely with the groups of Steve Paterson and Joanne Fothergill (Liverpool), and Dylan Childs (Sheffield).

You should have a PhD in evolutionary biology or evolutionary microbiology and experience of microbial evolution research. Candidates with training in experimental evolution and / or the evolution of antibiotic resistance are strongly encouraged to apply.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.