Research Associate (Fixed Term)

We are seeking an outstanding researcher to join Professor Teuta Pilizota's group at the University of Cambridge, in their effort to understand how physico-chemical forces limit bacterial growth and death. Vibrio natriegens is one of the fastest-growing organisms ever known, as it can double in about 10 minutes. That said, if we look simply at its protein sequences, it is more than 97% similar to another Vibrio species, V. campbellii, which takes twice as long to double. Therefore, it is unlikely that V. natriegens simply adopted its proteome for faster growth. Intrigued by this puzzle of supercharged growth, we recently compared the speed of enzymes found in V.natriegens with those of V. campbellii, and of the bacteria Escherichia coli, and Bacillus subtilis, which are much slower growing. We would like to find out why there are such substantial differences. It seems that the biological environment created in the cytoplasm of V. natriegens has unique physico-chemical properties that effectively raise the temperature and thus speed up the rate at which reactions occur.

The successful candidate will work together with an international HFSP funded team (https://www.hfsp.org/sites/default/files/195x265_Grant%20Award%20Booklet_2024_7.pdf) to characterise these factors: pH, osmolytes, crowding, and membrane potential, in a range of conditions that could influence them. We expect that looking at the dying process of V.natriegens in comparison to, e.g., V. campbellii and E. coli, will also shed light on the characteristics of the cytoplasmic environment. Currently growth is primarily investigated in the context of molecular processes, such as signaling and regulation, we will now investigate the contribution and control of the cytoplasmic environment on cell growth and death.

Appointment at research associate level is dependent on having a PhD including those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD (in which case appointment will initially be made at research assistant and amended to research associate when the PhD is awarded).

Please be advised that references will be required in advance of interviews, therefore, please ensure that you provide your consent on the application form as relevant.

Ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a cover letter in the upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance. There may be a possibility of extension, depending on funding.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click 'Apply' above.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Professor Teuta Pilizota at tp579@cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference KA46259 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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