Research Associate in Microbe-Microbe Interactions

Job reference: BMH-027904
Salary: £36,924 to £39,105 per annum, depending on relevant experience
Faculty/Organisational Unit: Biology, Medicine Health
Location: Manchester
Employment type: Fixed Term
Division/Team: Division of Evolution, Infection & Genomics
Hours per week: Full Time
Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY): 12/02/2025
Contract duration: 36 months
School/Directorate: School of Biological Sciences

We are seeking a research associate in microbial evolution/ecology as part of an interdisciplinary Fellowship team investigating the importance of microbe-pathogen associations in the cystic fibrosis lung microbiome.

Individuals with cystic fibrosis experience periodic pulmonary exacerbations, characterized by a myriad of respiratory symptoms – sputum production, breathlessness, cough etc. – which contribute to the morbidity and mortality of this patient population. Many “principal pathogens” have been identified whose presence correlates with these events at the community-wide level; however, particular individuals may be chronically colonized with these pathogens but experience few exacerbations, and overall, mild disease symptoms. This project seeks to understand this phenomenon by investigating the role of “commensal” members of the lung microbiome on the pathogenicity of key cystic fibrosis pathogens.

This position provides an excellent opportunity for ambitious researchers interested in applying microbial and evolutionary approaches to our understanding of bacterial competition within the human microbiome. The project will use an in vivo chronic infection model and small molecule drug discovery approaches to elucidate the mechanisms of interbacterial competition. The postholder will be embedded within our Microbial Evolution Research at Manchester (MERMan; sites.manchester.ac.uk/merman) research consortium, comprised of 14 PIs and >50 researchers, and will be encouraged to develop new collaborations and lines of research within the project’s collaborations with the University of Nottingham, McMaster University, Queen’s University Belfast, and the University of Calgary.

The postholder will be based at the University of Manchester within the group of Dr. Fiona Whelan, but will collaborate closely with the other research groups as part of the project team.

You should have (or soon receive) a PhD (or equivalent) in microbiology and experience in microbiology research. Candidates with training in the use of Drosophila melanogaster and/or high throughput automation are strongly encouraged to apply.

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

Blended working arrangements may be considered

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

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Dr. Fiona Whelan

Email: fiona.whelan@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

Jobtrain: 0161 850 2004 jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Advert information