Postdoctoral Research Assistant

About the Role

A Postdoctoral Research Assistant position is available at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) to work with Prof Mark Trimmer and Dr James Bradley. The post-holder will be funded by the NERC SUN SPEARS project “Sensors Under Snow: Seasonal Processes in the Evolution of Arctic”.

This research position will work on a project aimed at understanding seasonal processes in Arctic soils and assessing how seasonality shapes the long-term development of Arctic soils following glacier retreat. The job purpose is to undertake and support research on the project. The major tasks will be to:

• Carry out molecular microbial ecology lab analyses on samples collected from the polar field environment.
• Analyze data (including genomic data - amplicon sequencing libraries) to explore the characteristics of microbial communities – including microbial community structure, diversity, function, and activity.
• Integrate the biological findings with environmental datasets including geochemical and physical properties of Arctic soils.
• Analyze datasets emerging from the project to reveal the seasonally-varying processes affecting microbial community dynamics.
• Prepare results for publication in peer-reviewed academic journals (as lead author and co-author).

The post holder will join a multidisciplinary, diverse, inclusive team with frequent meetings, interactions, and high-quality mentoring.

About You

The ideal candidate for the position should have a PhD (or be close to completion) in microbial ecology, molecular and/or evolutionary biology, with significant experience in general molecular biology techniques and/or bioinformatics. A track record of high-quality published research would be an advantage. Previous experience in DNA extraction, molecular microbiology, and sequencing is also helpful. Self-motivation, ability to work as part of a team and excellent research management and presentation skills are essential. We will provide a supportive and encouraging environment and training where needed.

About the School/Department/Institute/Project

The School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences is one of the largest Schools within Queen Mary University of London and is committed to excellence in research and teaching. The Department offers a lively, stimulating environment for both staff and students, well integrated in the School.

About Queen Mary

At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable.

Throughout our history, we’ve fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. And we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it’s simply ‘the right thing to do’ but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers.

We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.

Benefits

We offer competitive salaries, access to a generous pension scheme, 30 days’ leave per annum (pro-rata for part-time/fixed-term), a season ticket loan scheme and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, and campus facilities.

Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability. We are open to considering applications from candidates wishing to work flexibly.

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