Senior Research Associate

Salary on appointment will be £38,784 per annum, with an annual increment up to £46,049 per annum

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Research Associate to join a BBSRC-funded collaborative research programme, on 'Completing the genetic toolkit for the control of global Tephritid pests'. You will be based at the UEA, but working collaboratively with researchers at UEA (Tracey Chapman, Philip Leftwich) and Imperial College (Nikolai Windbichler), to develop innovative genetic control strategies to address the increasing challenges posed by insect agricultural pests. The target is Ceratitis capitata, the Mediterranean fruit fly, which significantly impacts agriculture globally and is predicted to arrive in the UK within 2 decades.  The aim is to identify the markers associated with early germ cells and obtain a gene expression profile of these cell types. We plan to use this to help build and evaluate new types of population suppression gene drives.

Key duties of the role include leading on the deployment of gene manipulations, gene editing, 'omics technologies (including for single cells and nuclei) and behavioural analyses, to build and evaluate powerful new types of population suppressive gene drives, via a process of sterilising sex conversion.

You will have experience and knowledge of the use of gene manipulations / editing or bioinformatics (with a strong grounding in single-cell RNA-seq and genome sequencing), as well as excellent quantitative analysis skills.

This full-time post is available on a fixed term basis from 2 February 2026 for up to 24 months.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive. We particularly welcome applicants with the protected characteristics of disability and race (Black, Asian and minority ethnic) for this post, as they are currently underrepresented in this type of role within the School. Appointment will be made on merit and all applicants will be scored against the same criteria.

Further information on our great benefits package, including 44 days annual leave inclusive of Bank Holidays and additional University Customary days, can be found on our benefits page.

Closing date: 5 January 2026

The University holds an Athena Swan Silver Institutional Award in recognition of our advancement towards gender equality.

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