Postdoctoral Research Assistant - Molecular Microbiology

Adaptation in Bacillus subtilis biofilms

The School of Life Sciences at the University of Dundee is a world-class academic institution with a reputation for the excellence of its research, its high quality teaching and student experience, and the strong impact of its activities outside academia. With 900 staff from over 40 countries worldwide the School provides a dynamic, multi-national, collegiate and diverse environment with state-of-the-art laboratory, technology and teaching facilities.

We are recruiting for an exceptional individual to join us as a Postdoctoral Researcher within The Stanley-Wall Laboratory, Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, with experience in bacterial genetics, transcriptions and/or microscopy:

https://www.dundee.ac.uk/people/nicola-stanley-wall).

This is a fixed-term appointment for 12 months.

We investigate mechanisms underpinning Bacillus subtilis biofilm formation and conduct interdisciplinary studies combining classical molecular genetics, microbiology, and soft matter physics.

We aim to uncover key regulatory mechanisms underpinning Bacillus subtilis biofilm matrix remodelling, function, resilience, and competitiveness, that direct the ability of this organism to occupy a wide range of environmental niches. The successful applicants will exploit recent findings to uncover the molecular processes driving adaptation of the biofilm matrix and the impact for the function and success of the bacteria in different environments.

The project builds on our published work (see https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36528619/; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34486975/). You will be part of a collaborative research project with colleagues based at the University of Edinburgh (Prof. Cait MacPhee and Dr. Ryan Morris).

The appointment as a Postdoctoral Research Assistant on the Grade 7 salary scale is dependent upon you having been awarded a PhD. An appointment may be considered if you are shortly expected to be awarded a PhD. In this case, the initial appointment would be made as a Research Assistant on the Training Grade 7 salary scale (Spinal Point 25 – 28).

To apply, please submit a single PDF file that contains:

• A cover letter that outlines your research interests and career goals, alongside a summary highlighting your expertise in microbial genetics and gene expression analysis.
• A curriculum vitae containing a list of publications and/or preprints with a brief description of your contribution to each piece of work.

Your priorities will include:

• Transcriptomic analysis of Bacillus subtilis biofilms in different environmental context
• Analysis of B. subtilis survival and adaptation to different contexts
• Engaging members of the public in our research

Who we’re looking for:

Successful candidates will have a strong background in bacterial genetics, ideally with expertise in transcriptomics and/or microscopy. You should be creative, enthusiastic to solve challenging problems, be a team player, be equipped with excellent communication skills and have an awareness of working in a positive research culture.

Candidates are expected to have expertise in:

• Molecular biology, bacteriology
• Transcriptomic analysis

And/or

• Flow cytometry
• Microscopy
• Knowledge of biofilm formation Additional desired skills are:
• Undergraduate student supervision in laboratory settings
• Tutoring undergraduates

For further information about this position please contact:

Prof Nicola Stanley-Wall (Molecular Microbiology/School of Life Sciences):

n.r.stanleywall@dundee.ac.uk.

To find out more about the Division of Molecular Microbiology (MMB) please visit: 

https://www.dundee.ac.uk/life-sciences/research/molecular-microbiology

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