Research Associate in Microbiology

Contract Type: Fixed-term, available immediately for a period of six years

Location: Firth Court, Main Campus

The human pathogen, Streptococcus pyogenes (StrepA) is a major global concern for which there is WHO-supported drive towards vaccine development. We are seeking a post-doctoral researcher to join the laboratory of Dr Claire Turner to work on the bacterial human pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes (group A Streptococcus, StrepA). 

Dr. Turner has recently received a Wellcome Trust Career Development award to fund a position studying the infection mechanism of S. pyogenes. The research will use innovative host-specific infection models, such as 3D-tissue engineered models of human tonsil and human skin. S. pyogenes is a prevalent pathogen that causes over 500,000 global deaths annually and a vaccine is urgently needed to prevent infection.

We will study various strains of S. pyogenes found in patients from the UK and The Gambia, West Africa. Our goal is to understand how these strains cause infection in our tonsil and skin models, aiding the development of a vaccine. 

Applicants must have a PhD (or equivalent experience) in microbiology or a related field along with skills in general molecular techniques such as PCR, cloning, DNA/RNA extraction, Western blotting. 

We’re one of the best not-for-profit organisations to work for in the UK. The University’s Total Reward Package includes a competitive salary, a generous Pension Scheme and annual leave entitlement, as well as access to a range of learning and development courses to support your personal and professional development. 

We build teams of people from different heritages and lifestyles from across the world, whose talent and contributions complement each other to greatest effect. We believe diversity in all its forms delivers greater impact through research, teaching and student experience. 

To find out what makes the University of Sheffield a remarkable place to work, watch this short film: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LblLk18zmo, and follow @sheffielduni on Twitter for more information. 

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