Research Associate in Microbial Engineering

The successful applicant will join the ELEMENTAL consortium and work in the research groups of Dr Jen Cavet and Professor Jon Lloyd at the University of Manchester. They will be primarily based in the molecular microbiology research laboratory of Dr Jen Cavet in the School of Biological Sciences within the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health whilst work associated with metallic nanoparticle production and characterisation will be undertaken in the geomicrobiology research laboratory of Professor Jon Lloyd in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences within the Faculty of Science and engineering. The latter will be performed using a powerful combination of techniques using a powerful combination of techniques, including advanced electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

The successful applicant must have a strong background in molecular microbiology or microbial synthetic biology, ideally with experience of studying metals in biological systems. The project will involve a considerable amount of bacterial culturing and genetic manipulation, metal analyses, as well as gene expression studies. Candidates should have completed a PhD prior to taking up the position.

You will be responsible for conducting your own research under the supervision of Dr Jen Cavet and Professor Jon Lloyd to generate S. oneidensis strains that are genetically engineered for enhanced recovery of metals (including gold, copper and REES) by manipulating metal uptake, detoxification and regulatory pathways. This will involve the day to day running of the project and carrying out the necessary laboratory work. A range of molecular biology and biochemical techniques will be used including gene cloning, PCR, bacterial culture & targeted mutagenesis, metal-tolerance assays and gene expression analyses as well as protein purification and metal binding analyses. You will also work closely with members of the geomicrobiology group regarding metallic nanoparticle production and characterisation. In addition, you will collaborate with other ELEMENTAL mission hub researchers including attending and presenting at face-to-face consortium planning and reporting meetings.

As this role involves research at a postgraduate level, applicants who are not an EEA national or a national of an exempt country and who will require sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route of the UK Visas and Immigration’s (UKVI) Points Based System in order to take up the role, will be required to apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Certificate and will need to obtain this prior to making any official visa application UKVI)

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.  

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk.

Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Dr. Jen Cavet 

Email: Jennifer.S.Cavet@manchester.ac.uk

Advert information