Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Genomics of Microbial Biomineralization

Fixed term for two years.

The Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford, seeks to appoint a full-time Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Genomics of Microbial Biomineralization. The post holder will report to Prof. Julie Cosmidis, Principal Investigator on the ERC project BIOFACTS.

The post holder will develop and implement forward genetics methods to uncover the genomic controls of microbial biomineralization. The post holder will join a research group working on diverse geomicrobiological processes, and will be part of an ERC-funded team focusing on deciphering the molecular mechanisms of microbial biomineralization using Raman-based screening approaches.

They will also have the opportunity to interact and develop collaborations with a wider range of academics working in related field such as geomicrobiology, mineralogy, and molecular biology in Earth Sciences and at Oxford. They will provide guidance to less experienced members of the research group including DPhil and Master students, while also having responsibilities to manage laboratory tasks. The research will be carried out in the Geomicrobiology lab and will take advantage of the new high-throughput Raman facility in the Department of Earth Sciences at Oxford.

About you

You will hold or be close to the completion of, a relevant PhD/DPhil together with relevant experience. You will have research experience in microbiology, molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics, and/or microbial biomineralization. You will possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to work within established research programmes.

You will be able to work independently and you must have the ability to manage your own academic research and associated activities. You will have excellent communication skills including a track record of contributing to publications and presentations and an ability to contribute ideas for new research projects.

Experience in independently managing a discrete area of a research project, supervising PhD or Masters students, mutagenesis and forward genetics techniques as well as experience with Raman Spectro microscopy would be desirable but not essential.

The deadline for applications is midday 17 March 2025. Interviews will be held on 03 April 2025.

You will be required to upload a CV and a Supporting Statement as part of your application. Please do not attach any manuscripts, papers, transcripts, mark sheets or certificates as these will not be considered as part of your application.

Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and ethnic minority candidates, who are under-represented in research posts in the Department.

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