Research Fellow (Postdoctoral) in Microbiology/Microbiome

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow position in the Gut Microbiome Group, School of Biological Sciences at the University of Southampton. The University of Southampton is a world-leading (top 1% of universities worldwide), research-intensive university with a reputation for innovation and enterprise. This role is based in the School of Biological Sciences, which was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent for its impact on society in the last Research Assessment Framework.

The Gut Microbiome Laboratory at the University of Southampton seeks to understand the function of the mammalian gut microbiome and its impact on human health using a range of molecular biology approaches, activity-based microbial physiology methods, cultivation and genetics.

You will join our collaborative team working on a project investigating the activity and function of the gut microbiome in situ and its control by the immune system. You will use single-cell techniques such as fluorescence in situ hybridisation, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, isotope tracing and next-generation sequencing to map the activity of key gut microbes in homeostasis and under perturbation, during disease. The post is funded as a part of a collaborative grant between Southampton and the German Rheumatism Research Center Berlin (DFRZ), funded by BBSRC and the DFG. The post will be managed by Dr. Fatima Pereira with regular meetings with Prof. Sumeet Mahajan and the DFRZ teams.

You will hold a PhD in Microbiology, Microbial Ecology or a related field, along with an understanding of the gut microbiome composition and function. You will have experience in microscopy, fluorescence-activated cell sorting and related techniques for microbial single-cell analysis, and in bioinformatics. You are highly organised and driven, you will demonstrate initiative and problem-solving skills. You will be able to demonstrate the ability to conduct original research ideally evidenced by peer-review publications.

Informal enquires are very welcome and should be directed to Dr Fatima Pereira: f.c.pereira@soton.ac.uk.

What we can offer you

• A world-class research environment
• Access to mentoring, career development and networking across the University and beyond
• A personalised training and development plan including external training courses and attendance at conferences
• A friendly, supportive lab environment

As a university we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and are proactive in fostering a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity. We believe that we can only truly meet our objectives if we are reflective of society, so we are passionate about creating a working environment in which you are free to bring your whole self to work. We welcome applications from candidates who are committed to helping us create an inclusive work environment. We give full consideration to applicants that wish to work flexibly and those who have taken a career break.

In addition, we offer a generous package of benefits, including a generous holiday allowance and we will help you find a good work-life balance with flexible working hours. We will support your long-term future too, with access to the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), subsidised wellbeing and fitness facilities and other discounts.

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