Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the role:

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associates to work in the Section of Molecular Microbiology, which is part of the Centre for Bacterial Resistance Biology at Imperial College London, UK. The position is funded through the Wellcome Trust and is fixed term for 12 months. The work will involve the investigation of essential genes in the bacterial pathogen Staphylococcus aureus.

What you would be doing:

The research project will focus on the Gram-positive bacterial pathogen Staphylococcus aureus and the work will be conducted in the laboratory of Professor Angelika Gründling. You will focus on understanding cellular processes that are controlled by the essential signalling nucleotide c-di-AMP in S. aureus with the long-term goal to use this knowledge to develop new methods to prevent the growth, colonization and infection with this organism. c-di-AMP is a more recently discovered signalling nucleotide required for the growth of S. aureus under standard growth conditions and plays an important role in osmotic regulation and cell wall homeostasis. Recent work from the lab has shown that while c-di-AMP is essential for growth under aerobic growth conditions, it becomes dispensable under anaerobic conditions. The project will focus on investigating metabolic changes that occur when S. aureus growths aerobically versus anaerobically as well as provide a better understanding of essential genes under aerobic versus anaerobic growth conditions. The project will use amongst others the Tn-seq methodology and be follow up work on already generated Tn-seq data.

What we are looking for:

• Hold a PhD or equivalent in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or a related field
• Knowledge in the genetic manipulation of bacteria and pervious experience working with Gram-positive bacteria is desirable
• Experience within an academic research environment and a proven track record with publication in relevant and peer reviewed high-quality journals

What we can offer you:

• Research in a collaborative and dynamic team
• Access to world class facilities
• Access to courses, workshops and skill development classes at the Postdoc and Fellows Development Centre at Imperial
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career: Gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).

Further Information

This is a fulltime, fixed term position based at South Kensington Campus.

*Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant within the salary range £41,694 - £44,888 per annum.

Expected start date: as soon as possible.

If you require any further details on the role please contact: Angelika Gründling a.grundling@imperial.ac.uk

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