Postdoctoral Research Associate in Microfluidic Microbiology

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our research programme developing revolutionary new antibiotic susceptibility tests suitable for point-of-care testing. Our miniaturised rapid testing technology will allow an effective antibiotic to be selected to treat a patient with a bacterial infection such as UTI, without requiring slow conventional analytical microbiology.

Working closely with both PI Dr Al Edwards and our NHS clinical partners, the post will focus on supporting two clinical trials to establish the analytical performance and subsequently validate the final product in secondary care. The successful candidate will help develop a standardised manufacturing process to make batches of microfluidic tests for the trials. They will then perform microbiological assays to quality control the batches, then test with clinical samples, followed by database management and contributing to data analysis.

The post holder will also work closely with clinical and industrial partners to understand current clinical pathways and organise the clinical trials, as well as understanding exactly what product format will be most useful in the NHS. The post is available for 15 months.

You will have:

• A PhD or have submitted for a PhD in biosciences, microfluidics, bioengineering, analytical chemistry or any relevant field or relevant experience.
• Knowledge and understanding of the biomedical, bioengineering and clinical R&D process
• Enthusiasm for applying cutting-edge bioscience and bioengineering to solve critical the global health challenge of antimicrobial resistance
• Knowledge of microbiology culture based assays is desirable

Please see the job description and personal specification for further details.

Closing date -  26th October 2023
Interview date -  2nd November 2023

Informal contact details
Contact role: Chief Investigator
Contact name: Dr Al Edwards 
Contact email: a.d.edwards@soton.ac.uk

Alternative informal contact details
Contact role: Researcher Co-Investigator
Contact name: Dr Sarah Needs
Contact email: s.h.needs@reading.ac.uk

Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route.  Applicants should ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement under the PBS.  There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

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