Postdoctoral Research Fellow

This new full post is available immediately on a fixed term basis until 16 June 2026.

The post
The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to participate in research activities on a BBSRC Mission award on “Engineering Synthetic Phages with Intrinsic Biocontainment”. This BBSRC-funded post is available immediately to 16 June 2026. The successful applicant will participate in a collaborative research project aimed at developing synthetic phage therapy against the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The successful applicant will conduct bacterial engineering design & build synthetic bacteriophage, design and engineer phage genetic cargos. They will carry out high-throughput phage infectivity experiments and perform data analyses to test phage killing efficacy and host resistance. You will use a diverse set of techniques and skills, which (may) include molecular cloning, genetic engineering, microscopy, flow cytometry, qPCR, in vitro experimental evolution. The PDRF will co-supervise undergrad, MSc and PhD students where appropriate. As the project is part of a consortium grant, the PDRF will actively contribute to a collaborating team of researchers across the UK, by participating in project meetings and sharing samples, expertise and data with collaborating partners where relevant.

About you
The successful applicant will be able to develop research objectives, projects and proposals; identify sources of research funding and contribute to the process of securing funds and make presentations at conferences and other events.

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study. The successful applicant will be a nationally recognised authority in antimicrobial tool development and/or phage therapy, and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop research programmes and methodologies. The successful applicant will also be able to work collaboratively, supervise the work of others and act as team leader as required.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career

• A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy

• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Cornwall

Further information
For further information please contact Stineke van Houte, e-mail c.van-houte@exeter.ac.uk.

Interviews are expected to take place on 24 June 2024.

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