Research Associate in Microbial Evolution

at  The University of Manchester

We are seeking a postdoctoral research associate in microbial evolution as part of an interdisciplinary multi-institution consortium investigating the evolution of multi-layered genome defence and how this impacts horizontal gene transfer and bacterial genome evolution.
Over 100 new genome defences have been discovered in the past 5 years and these occur in a vast diversity of different configurations in bacterial genomes. What drives this diversity and how does it impact genome evolution? This project seeks to understand the selective drivers of genome defence and how multi-layered genome defence acts to protect the genome against mobile genetic elements and shape horizontal gene transfer dynamics.
This position provides an excellent opportunity for ambitious researchers interested in applying ecological and evolutionary approaches to understand bacterial genome evolution as part of an interdisciplinary team. The postholder will be embedded in a large community of microbial ecology and evolution researchers in Manchester (Microbial Evolution Research Manchester MERMan; https://sites.manchester.ac.uk/merman/), and will be encouraged to develop new lines of research and collaborations within the sLoLa consortium (MultiDefence; https://sites.exeter.ac.uk/multidefence/).
The postholder will be based at University of Manchester within the group of Professor Michael Brockhurst, but will collaborate closely with the other groups of the consortium at University of Exeter, University of Liverpool, University of Bath, University of Durham, University of St Andrews, University of Bristol, University of Cambridge.
You should have (or soon receive) a PhD in evolutionary biology or evolutionary microbiology and experience of experimental evolution research. Candidates with training in experimental evolution and / or genome defence and / or Pseudomonas aeruginosa biology are strongly encouraged to apply.
What can you expect in return
The University will actively foster a culture of inclusion and diversity and will seek to achieve true equality of opportunity for all members of its community.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.
Our University is positive about flexible working you can find out more here

Please refer the Job description for details