Postdoctoral Research Associate in Synthetic Phage Therapy - Grade 7

We are seeking to appoint an exceptional postdoctoral researcher with a collaborative approach to research, who will work with us on an exciting synthetic phage therapy project. This will involve working with the respiratory pathogen *Pseudomonas aeruginosa* and developing and using a range of specialist in vitro and in vivo infection models.

Our overall aim is to develop phage therapy as a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics for treating multidrug resistant bacterial infections. However, conventional phage therapy currently faces multiple barriers to widespread use and commercialisation. A promising emerging alternative is to use synthetic phages. In this project, we will develop and study the safe use of synthetic phage therapy. These synthetic phages will target the highly resistant, Gram-negative pathogen, *P. aeruginosa*. The project requires someone with experience and keen interest in host pathogen interactions and the use of bacteriophages to treat respiratory and systemic infections.

You will be working with Professor Aras Kadioglu & Professor Jo Fothergill in the Department of Clinical Infection Microbiology & Immunology at the University of Liverpool, and as part of an exciting ongoing collaboration with colleagues at the University of Manchester and the University of Exeter. The project is funded by the BBSRC under the project title of Safephage: Engineering synthetic phages with intrinsic biocontainment.

You should hold a PhD in Microbiology, Immunology or related Infectious disease field and have laboratory experience of working with bacterial pathogens and bacteriophages.

The post is available on a fixed term basis until 12 May 2026 with possible extension.

Informal enquiries please contact Professor Aras Kadioglu, email: a.kadioglu@liverpool.ac.uk.

Commitment to Diversity

The University of Liverpool is committed to enhancing workforce diversity. We actively seek to attract, develop, and retain colleagues with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all genders/gender identities, Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, individuals living with a disability, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Any applicants who are still awaiting their PhD to be awarded should be aware that if successful, they will be appointed at grade 6, spine point 30.  Upon submitting written confirmation that they have been successful in being awarded their PhD, they will be moved onto grade 7, spine point 31 from the date of their award.

Job Ref: 083749                                       Closing Date: 29 September 2024

For full details and to apply online, please visit: https://recruit.liverpool.ac.uk

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