Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job title:

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Company

Cardiff University

Job description

AdvertPlease note that this job is open only to current Cardiff University staff who are eligible for Redeployment.Post Doctoral Research Associate
School of Dentistry
College of Biomedical & Life SciencesApplications are invited for a full time (35 hours per week) Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) position based at the School of Dentistry, Cardiff University, Heath Park Campus in a collaboration with KU Leuven, Belgium, and the University of Osnabrück, Germany.Bacterial biofilms associated play detrimental roles in wound healing and disease progression within chronic wounds. Bacteria within these multispecies biofilms may survive antibiotic treatment in clinical settings and have the potential to develop resistance. We do not yet know how different interspecies interactions, particularly metabolic cross-feeding, affect their ability to tolerate antimicrobials and develop resistance within these wounds.This project will determine how interspecies interactions within these wounds, particularly metabolic cross-feeding among diverse bacteria affect the tolerance and evolution of antimicrobial resistance.The role will involve bacterial biofilm formation assays, metabolic genome-scale modelling, transcriptomics, and analysis of metabolic exchanges; contributing to research papers and presentations.The successful candidate will be enthusiastic and will be based at Cardiff University in the Advanced Therapies Group. It is essential for the candidate to have a PhD in Microbiology, Molecular Microbiology, or a related field at the intersection of laboratory and computational biology.For confidential, informal enquiries regarding this vacancy please contact Dr. Faizan Sadiq from the School of Dentistry (SadiqF@cardiff.ac.uk).This post is full time (35 hours per week), fixed term for a period of 24 months and available from 1st February, 2025.Salary: £40,247 – £45,163 per annum (Grade 6)
Appointments to roles at Cardiff University are usually made at bottom of scale unless in exceptional circumstances.Cardiff University offers many excellent benefits, including 45 days annual leave including bank holidays (pro rata for this role), local pension scheme, a cycle to work scheme and other travel initiatives, annual increments within the pay scale, and more. It is an exciting and vibrant place to work, with many different challenges and is a proud Living Wage supporter.Closing date: Wednesday, 20 November 2024Please be aware that Cardiff University reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at: Responsible research assessment – Research – Cardiff UniversityApplications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.Job DescriptionMain function
To conduct research within the area of bacterial multispecies biofilms and their metabolic cross-feeding, focusing on how these interactions influence antimicrobial tolerance.This role will contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by producing high-quality research outputs and pursuing excellence in research, while inspiring others to do the same.Research

• To conduct research on multispecies bacterial biofilms and metabolic cross-feeding interactions in the context of antimicrobial tolerance and resistance evolution.
• Perform and troubleshoot laboratory experiments, including bacterial biofilm formation assays, genome-scale metabolic modelling, transcriptomics, and metabolite analysis/quantification.
• Collaborate with international research partners, particularly at KU Leuven and the University of Osnabrück, to ensure the integration of cross-disciplinary insights.
• Write and contribute to high-quality research publications and present findings at scientific meetings.
• To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field.
• To prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate.
• To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
• To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions, explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects.
• To participate in School research activities.
• To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required.
• To contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including publishing in national academic journals and the supervision of postgraduate research students.

Other

• To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally to raise awareness of the School’s profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances and to pursue opportunities for collaboration. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile.
• To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to, and which will enhance, performance.
• To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School externally.
• Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

Additional InformationIMPORTANT: Evidencing Criteria
It is the School of Dentistry’s policy to use the person specification as a key tool for short-listing. Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria as well as, where relevant, the desirable. As part of the application process you will be asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement, which in addition should make clear your track record in Orthodontics and why you are suited to this position.
Please ensure when submitting this document / attaching it to your application profile you name it with the vacancy reference number, which for this post is, 19413BR – Post Doctoral Research Associate.If candidates do not provide written evidence of meeting all of the essential criteria, then their application will not be progressed. The School of Dentistry welcome the submission of CVs to accompany evidence of the job-based criteria.Person SpecificationEssential CriteriaQualifications and Education
1. A PhD in Microbiology, Molecular Microbiology or in a related field at the intersection of laboratory and computational biology, ideally with 1-3 years of postdoctoral experience.Knowledge, Skills and Experience
2. Established experience in microbiology (ideally biofilm microbiology), microbial ecology and bacterial interactions.
3. Knowledge of computational biology tool related to metabolic modelling.
4. Understanding of genomics and transcriptomics technologies and data properties.
5. Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies
6. Proven ability of publishing/presenting papers in top-tier conferences or national journals in the related areas.Communication and Team Working
7. Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication.
8. Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals.Other
9. Proven ability to work without close supervision.Desirable Criteria1. Experience in managing bioinformatic analyses and workflows.
2. Experience in statistical and data analysis using R and Python-based tools.
3. International experience, particularly in collaborative research settings, is highly advantageous.
4. Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the School.

Expected salary

£40247 – 45163 per year

Location

United Kingdom

Job date

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 23:41:00 GMT

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