Postdoctoral Research Associate

This new full-time post is available from 1 October 2025 until 30 September 2028 on a fixed term basis.

The post

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the laboratory of Dr. Vicki Gold in collaboration with the labs of Daniel Kattnig, Wolfram Moebius, and Kirsty Wan. This BBSRC-funded post is available immediately and is offered for a fixed term of three years.

The successful applicant will investigate the structure, dynamics, and motility of the bacterial Type IV pilus (T4P) machinery in the model organism Thermus thermophilus using theoretical modelling, simulation, and analysis. Specifically, the project will employ a multidisciplinary approach combining molecular dynamics, coarse-grained simulations, and continuum structural mechanics with structural and dynamic data obtained in accompanying experimental studies. In addition, the project will advance our understanding of the swimming motility of thermophilic bacteria, through a combination of brightfield and fluorescence light microscopy, and electron cryo-microscopy (cryoEM).

This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in biophysical modelling and analysis in a microbiology and structural cell biology context. The postholder will work within a collaborative and interdisciplinary team and will benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities.

The post will include:

• Molecular dynamics simulations (all-atom and coarse-grained) including free-energy calculations and steered molecular dynamics to elucidate the structural and dynamic properties of biofilaments in free form and under load.
• Multi-scale modelling based on continuum mechanics and hydrodynamics informed by experiments and molecular modelling.
• High-throughput data analysis and image processing using Python or another scripting language of choice.
• The opportunity to gain experience in cryoEM.

Candidates will have hands-on experience with quantitative computational approaches and a passion for biomolecular modelling applied to biology.

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.

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD (or be nearing completion) or hold an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study. They will have prior research experience of computational approaches and must also be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the discipline, as well as research methods and techniques, to work within established research programmes.

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

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024). We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes.

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. 

Further information

For further information please contact Dr. Vicki Gold, e-mail v.a.m.gold@exeter.ac.uk or telephone (01392) 721454

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