Research Fellow (105433-0625)

This is a re-advertisement. Previous candidates for this role need not apply.

Duration: Fixed Term Contract until 1st March 2027

About the Role  

For informal enquiries, please contact Orkun Soyer (Professor) O.soyer@warwick.ac.uk

What scientific question will you investigate?  / Outline of the project aims

We are looking to hire a postdoctoral scientist to work on a project funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation within the research group of Orkun Soyer (https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/lifesci/research/osslab/).

We study symbiotic interactions within the cyanosphere – the microbial communities assembling around cyanobacteria. We develop model cyanobacteria-communities initiated from natural freshwater samples and study both assembly dynamics of these communities and the interactions within them. We have established several such model systems, where motile filamentous cyanobacteria initiate macroscopic structural formation – so-called photogranules. We study formation dynamics of these photogranules and spatial distribution of bacteria within them. To fully understand motility-driven structure formation, we aim to decipher the molecular basis of gliding motility in filamenteous cyanobacteria.

Our current team consists of two postdocs with biophysics and biochemistry background. We are now looking to expand this team with an additional, motivated postdoctoral researcher with a background in biotechnology and microbial physiology. The successful candidate is expected to drive analysis of gas and metabolite dynamics within our established model communities using quantitative techniques and analyse the resulting data in conjunction with mathematical modelling. This main direction of research will be supplemented with analysis of physiology in isolates and generation of new model systems.

About You  

If you have not yet been awarded your PhD but are near submission or have recently submitted your PhD, any offers of employment will be made as Research Assistant at the top of level 5 within the University grade structure. Upon successful award of your PhD and evidence of this fact, you will be promoted to Research Fellow on the first point of the level 6 of the University grade structure, unless exceptional experience applies to warrant a higher salary.

We are looking for someone with expertise in biotechnology and microbial physiology. We would also welcome applications from scientists interested in these topics and with backgrounds in biochemistry, molecular biology, or microbial ecology with matching quantitative skills. Applicants should be proficient in microbial culturing, metabolite measurements, quantitative data analysis techniques, and have knowledge of mathematical modelling.

For further information regarding the skills required for this role please see the personal specification section of the attached job description, clck the 'Apply' button above. 

How to Apply  

CLOSING DATE: Thursday 19th June 2025 at 23:55 (BST)

To apply, please click ‘Apply’ above and submit an application form by the closing date.  

• Interview Date: To be confirmed 
• Start Date: To be confirmed 

Full details of the duties and selection criteria for this role can be found in the vacancy advert on the University of Warwick's jobs pages. You will be routed to this when you click on the 'Apply' button.

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