Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job description

Environment, Science and Economy Faculty

This new full-time post is available from 1st November 2025 on a fixed term basis for 2 years.

The post

We wish to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join Professor Edze Westra’s group at the University of Exeter’s Cornwall Campus. The post will be full-time, and for a fixed term of 2 years from 1 November 2025 to 31 October 2027. This UKRI-funded position will focus on the discovery and functional characterisation of anti-defence genes in bacteriophages infecting Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The project builds on the group’s recent work exploring the diversity, ecology and evolution of phage counter-defence systems, including anti-CRISPR proteins, and their roles in phage–phage and phage–host interactions (Cell, 2018; Nature, 2020; Cell Host Microbe, 2020). The postholder will use a combination of comparative genomics, molecular genetics, and high-throughput phenotypic assays to identify and study new anti-defence systems, working in close collaboration with national and international partners.

The successful applicant will work closely with members of the MULTIDEFENCE network (https://sites.exeter.ac.uk/multidefence/), which brings together world-leading researchers in microbial immunity and mobile genetic elements. The postholder will benefit from regular knowledge exchange within the network and opportunities for collaborative research.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

About you

The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.

We are seeking a motivated researcher with:

• A PhD (or nearing completion) or equivalent experience in microbiology, molecular biology, microbial genomics, or related fields.
• Proven skills in bacteriophage research, with experience in the discovery and/or functional characterisation of genes linked to microbial defence or counter-defence systems.
• Proficiency in molecular microbiology techniques and genetic manipulation; experience with Pseudomonas or other opportunistic pathogens is desirable.
• Strong analytical skills for genomic data interpretation and experimental design.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and a proven ability to work effectively in collaborative, multi-institutional projects.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career
• A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy
• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon/ Cornwall

The University of Exeter

The University of Exeter is an equal opportunity employer. We are officially recognised as a Disability Confident employer and an Athena Swan accredited institution. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented in the workforce. 

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