Research Associate in Microbial Genomics

The University of Manchester - Division of Evolution, Infection & Genomics

Job reference: BMH-030793
Salary: Grade 6: £37,694 per annum, depending on relevant experience
Faculty/Organisational Unit: Biology, Medicine Health
Location: Manchester
Employment type: Fixed Term
Division/Team: Division of Evolution, Infection & Genomics
Hours Per Week: Full Time
Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY): 03/04/2026
Contract Duration: 12 Months
School/Directorate: School of Biological Sciences

About the Role and Whelan Lab

This postdoctoral research position is part of a Cystic Fibrosis Canada Early Career Investigator Award funded for 3-years led by Dr. Fabrice Jean-Pierre and Dr. Fiona Whelan. The aim of this project is to identify the genetic changes that arise in the Pseudomonas aeruginosa genome following perturbations – such as antibiotic treatment – in an in vitro system. The PDRA will use a large dataset of P. aeruginosa genomes and experimental metadata to predict key mutations to the organism.

The postdoctoral researcher will join the Whelan lab led by Dr. Fiona Whelan. The Whelan lab is a member of the Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics (EIGen) in the School of Biological Sciences. Fiona is a 2023 Lister Fellow and 2024 UKRI Future Leaders Fellow, interested in pathogen genomics, microbe-pathogens interactions, and their impact on the microbiome in the context of human/animal health and disease. The Whelan lab combines cutting-edge bioinformatic software development and analyses with classical microbiology culture and techniques to understand these bacterial interactions in a number of in vitro and in vivo model environments. The postdoctoral researcher will be part of a dynamic and supportive team comprising postdoctoral researchers, research fellows, and PhD students. The PDRA role will develop, test, and use established bioinformatic techniques to interrogate key mutations in P. aeruginosa sequencing data.

The Whelan lab is based in a newly-equipped state-of-the-art microbiology lab facility with access to a range of analytical instruments and robotic automation. We hold weekly lab meetings and journal clubs focussed around developing skills in microbiology, statistics, and bioinformatics. For more information about the Whelan lab, including access to our lab manual, mission statement, and current research topics please visit: http://whelanlab.co.uk

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, and much more.

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.