Research Associate in Mucorales Adaptation

University of Kent - Biosciences

Contract Type: Fixed-Term - 36 Months

The post holder will perform original laboratory-based research under the academic supervision of Dr Rebecca Hall at the University of Kent working to address how adaptation to natural and host environments drives Mucorales pathogenicity using our cutting-edge experimental workflows and unrivalled access to clinical and environmental isolates. This role involves formulating and proposing individual and collaborative research objectives, conducting research projects, and disseminating findings including publishing in reputable journals. Staying current with advancements in the field is essential, as you will translate this knowledge into innovative research activities. This is a collaborative project with Dr Margherita Bertuzzi at the University of Manchester.

As a Research Associate, you can expect to:

• Take initiatives in the planning and delivering of high-quality research. This will require the design and implementation of an original programme of experimentation involving testing the impact of host-derived stressors in Mucorales gene regulation, germination, growth, host-pathogen interactions and virulence, the generation and screening of Mucorales fluorescent strains and knockout mutants.
• Participate in the activities of the Wellcome-funded interdisciplinary team of scientists working on this problem, including scientists at the University of Kent, Exeter and Manchester.
• Attend meetings and present regular written oral and/or written progress reports to local and national colleagues and collaborators.
• Prepare research findings for publication and presentation, and for inclusion in reports to grant governing bodies. To attract research funding through the development of innovative research proposals and contribute to the writing of research funding bids.

What you will bring to the role:

• A relevant PhD or equivalent in a related field of study (e.g. Microbiology, immunology, cell biology)
• Extensive and up-to-date theoretical and practical knowledge in your subject area as evidenced by: A research portfolio in an area of Mycology & A publication record in peer reviewed journals in an area of Mycology
• Proven experience in conducting research projects, including data collection and analysis

What we can offer in return:

As a member of our team, you can expect a friendly, open and collaborative working environment and support in your development and wellbeing.

You'll enjoy a range of great staff benefits including:

• Hybrid working options allowing a flexible blend of office & home working (to be agreed in line with business needs)
• 43 days' leave per year (personal leave, bank holidays & additional days allocated for the Christmas period, pro-rata for part-time staff)
• Excellent pension scheme with generous employer contributions
• Corporate employee-funded healthcare plan, in partnership with Benenden Health

Please ensure you attach a CV and covering letter expressing your interest and how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the job description.

For more information about what you can look forward to if you join us, visit our dedicated webpage: Working at Kent

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Please see the links below to view the full job description and to apply for this post.

For further information regarding the application process, please contact peopleserviceshr@kent.ac.uk quoting reference number SNS-058-25.