Research Fellow in Public Health Surveillance

Bangor University - School of Environmental & Natural Sciences

Applications are invited for a Research Fellow in Public Health Surveillance to join Prof Davey Jones in leading the National Wastewater Programme for Public and Environmental Health in Wales. This fixed-term position offers an exceptional opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research monitoring pathogens (viruses, bacteria), antimicrobial resistance, and illicit chemicals in water and wastewater environments.

The successful candidate will play a crucial role in advancing wastewater-based epidemiology for public health and environmental surveillance, managing key research activities that translate into actionable insights. The role represents a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of environmental science and public health in a nationally significant research programme.

The role involves shaping the research direction, helping manage the laboratory team and mentoring Masters and PhD students. The successful candidate will help expand molecular and bioinformatic approaches for detecting novel pathogens and quantifying functional genes across diverse environments including community and hospital wastewater, coastal waters, and rivers. Additionally, the postholder will work closely with key stakeholders, including Verily, for international collaborative projects, Welsh Government officials to inform policy decisions, and Public Health Wales professionals to translate research findings into actionable public health measures.

The successful candidate will have excellent communication skills to bridge scientific research with practical applications for governmental and healthcare partners. Strong contribution to scientific publications, both as lead author and collaborative team member, is a key expectation.

Qualified candidates should possess a PhD in environmental microbiology or related field, demonstrated experience managing research projects and publishing in high-impact journals, and expertise in microbial quantification techniques (including DNA/RNA extraction from environmental samples, qPCR, and/or metagenomics).

This fixed-term role is available from 1st April 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter) until 31 August 2027.

This role will be located on campus at Bangor. Through our Dynamic Working framework, there will also be the option to spend some time working remotely (although remaining in the UK) to support work life balance, which will be discussed further with candidates at interview.

Applications will also be considered to carry out this role on a part-time or job share basis.

Applications must be submitted through our online recruitment portal at jobs.bangor.ac.uk. Accessibility accommodations are available for candidates with disabilities by calling 01248 383865.

Closing date for applications: 20 February 2026

Committed to Equal Opportunities