Postdoctoral Research Associate / Fellow
This full-time 3-year post is available from 1st Jan 2027.
This post is offered as a fixed term contract and is funded by the BBSRC until 3 January 2030. In line with the University’s fair employment for all principles, any further funding opportunities identified will be reviewed and discussed during the contract.
The starting salary will be from £34,610 on Grade E for the Postdoctoral Research Associate level and from £43,482 on Grade F for the Postdoctoral Research Fellow level, depending on knowledge, skills and experience.
The Role
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate or Fellow to investigate the life cycle of microsporidian parasites within host cells using a combination of fluorescent microscopy, soft X-ray tomography (SXT), focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM), cryo-electron tomography (CryoET).
The successful applicant will work in the group of Bertram Daum and take a scale-spanning approach (from cells to molecules) to investigate how microsporidian spores enter, replicate within, and egress from host cells. The candidate will focus on sub-cellular reorganisations, as well as ribosome regulation during this process.
About You
Postdoctoral Research Associate: The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.
Applicants will possess a relevant PhD (or nearing completion) or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes. Applicants will be able to insert skills and knowledge required.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow: The successful applicant will be able to develop research objectives, projects and proposals; identify sources of research funding and contribute to the process of securing funds and make presentations at conferences and other events.
Applicants will possess a relevant PhD or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study. The successful applicant will be a nationally recognised authority in insert subject area and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop research programmes and methodologies. The successful applicant will also be able to work collaboratively, supervise the work of others and act as team leader as required..
All candidates will be expected to be motivated and demonstrate good knowledge of the topic, possess excellent problem solving, interpersonal and communication skills and a collaborative spirit, combined with an ability to think carefully about their research. The successful applicant will also be able to supervise the work of others as required.
Essential criteria:
- Background in structural biology
- Experience in cryo electron tomography
- Experience in sub-tomogram averaging
- Familiarity with standard microbiology, molecular biology, biochemical techniques, fluorescence microscopy
- A publication record commensurate with experience
- Excellent time management skills and the ability to prioritise and work independently
Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.
Transform Your Career and Help Shape a Greener, Healthier, and Fairer Future
Join the University of Exeter, a top 200 Russel Group university (QS & THE World University Rankings 2025), excelling in teaching (triple Gold rating, TEF 2023) and leading groundbreaking research in the beautiful southwest of England.
We are committed to understanding different cultures and perspectives, supporting diverse leadership, and striving for social justice. We encourage applications from all groups underrepresented in our community, including racially minoritised individuals and those with disabilities. Our inclusive, merit based recruitment processes seek to embrace a diverse set of experiences to ensure colleagues feel supported equitably. With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 140 countries, we foster a culture where everyone can thrive.
You can read more about our current accreditations and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here, including our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.
What we can offer you:
- Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines;
- Support teams that understand the University wide teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly;
- An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development;
- Our Exeter Academic initiative supports high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career;
- A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy;
- A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon/Cornwall.
How we can help
If you are considering applying and need support to do so, please get in touch with us at
[email protected]. You can request reasonable adjustments within your application or by contacting us. You can also choose to be considered under our Disability Confident Scheme and find out here how this is managed during our recruitment and onboarding process.
