Postdoctoral Research Associate

This is an exciting opportunity for an postdoctoral researcher to join the Department of Psychology at the University of Liverpool, working closely with Dr Carl Roberts on the BBSRC and Unilever funded project; Exploring a reciprocal relationship between psychological stress and the human skin microbiome. This role is best suited to a biological psychologist, biopsychologist, neuroscientist or closely related discipline with experience collecting and analysing human behavioural and physiological data.

The expected start date of this role is 1 September 2026

The successful candidate will join an inter-disciplinary research project which is a collaboration of academic researchers from two departments at University of Liverpool (Psychology, and the Centre for Genomic Research) and Unilever’s consumer science and microbiome teams. The overall aim of the project is to establish evidence of directionality in the observed association between psychological stress, the skin microbiome and skin conditions. By applying omics approaches (metagenomics, lipidomics), we will assess:

1) the role of lifestyle factors and demographics on the stress-skin skin microbiome relationship,

2) the impact of psychological stress on human skin microbiome composition,

3) skin microbiome predictors of stress reactivity, and

4) the impact of modulation of the human skin microbiome on psychological and physiological markers of stress.

You should have a PhD in Biopsychology, Biological Psychology, Neuroscience, or a closely related discipline.

The post is available for 3 years.

If you are still awaiting your PhD to be awarded you will be appointed at Grade 6, spine point 30. Upon written confirmation that you have been awarded your PhD, your salary will be increased to Grade 7, spine point 31.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to enhancing a workforce as diverse as our community and particularly encourage applicants who are of minoritised genders and ethnic backgrounds, living with a disability, and/or are members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Closing Date: 17 May 2026 23:30

For full details and to apply online, please click on the apply above.

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