Senior Research Associate in Bacteriology

The role

We are seeking to recruit a Senior Research Associate to work across two project. One is to provide bacteriology support to a project that aims to establish an optical device capable of rapid antibiotic susceptibility testing from human urine samples. The second is to undertake genome sequencing and sequence analysis to monitor the molecular mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in urinary bacteria from human samples from different regions within England.

What will you be doing?

Working in an ACDP category 2 laboratory you will culture Gram-negative bacteria and send for whole genome sequencing. You will analyse whole genome sequence using established pipelines, e.g. Centre for Genomic Epidemiology, PubMLST. You will interpret molecular epidemiology data to infer differences and similarities between bacterial isolates from different regions and identify spatio-temporal trends. You will identify novel potential antibiotic resistance mutations and test these using functional genomics methodologies. You will select and provide phenotyped isolates for diagnostic device development. You will deliver large scale testing of the device for specificity and sensitivity and interpret the results. You will write reports and academic papers and communicate your findings to consortium members, collaborators and the wider research community and members of the public.

You should apply if

You have a PhD (or will shortly receive a PhD) in bacteriology or a closely related subject and experience working with Gram negative bacteria at ACDP category 2 levels, and in studying antibiotic resistance mechanisms using genomic methods. You will also have experience using imaging-based assays of bacterial phenotype. You will have evidence of working independently to push projects forward, and of helping to train others. You will have published research, and have experience delivering presentations and reports to collaborators, stakeholders, the research community and the public.

Additional information

For informal enquiries please contact Matthew Avison, matthewb.avison@bristol.ac.uk

Contract type: Fixed term until 31/12/2025

Work pattern: 100% time

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 16/03/2025

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The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.

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