Research Associate in Microbiology

The role

The main role for the successful candidate is to undertake research into microbial pathogens. There are two main foci:  the first will be to apply a test to environmental sample to detect Mycobacterum bovis DNA. There is some basic administration associated with this work where sample packs are sent out to stakeholders and results of the tests carefully compiled and reported to the stakeholder.  

The second focus is working within the team on a large collection of clinical Staphylococcus aureus isolates where we are applying a pheno-genotyping approach to help us understand the most important features that lead to death of infected patients.  

The role is approximately 80% laboratory based with some admin for the remainder of the time. 

What will you be doing?

This is fundamentally a molecular microbiology project. 

Alongside a lab technician you will be organising and running an environmental sample collection and testing project where we are overarching goal is to help farmers, vets and wildlife trusts address the problem bovine TB represents. The test involves genomic DNA extraction and qPCR. 

For the other project, you will be working within a large team to characterise the virulence of a collection of S. aureus bacteraemia isolates. The exact methodology will vary depending on the virulence phenotype being quantified. 

You should apply if

You have an interest in microbial pathogens, are well-organised, self-motivated and with good molecular biology experience. 

Additional information

For informal enquiries please contact Professor Ruth Massey, Professor of Microbial Pathogenicity (ruth.massey@bristol.ac.uk)

Contract type: Fixed term (6 months)

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on Wednesday 3rd December 2025

Our strategy and mission

We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.

Advert information