Research Associate

The Trost Lab within the Division of Molecular & Cellular Function wish to appoint a laboratory-based Research Associate to characterise bacterial phagosomes in macrophages by state-of-the-art proteomics techniques using our recent flow-cytometry based isolation approach. This position is funded for 24 months with a start date between September-December 2026.

You will be responsible for:

• Isolation of primary murine macrophages and bone marrow-derived macrophages from mice.
• Infection of macrophages with Salmonella enterica spp. Typhimurium.
• Isolation of Salmonella vacuoles/phagosomes by flow cytometry.
• Sample preparation for proteomics and collaboration with our lab’s proteomics experts.
• Utilisation of our data analysis pipelines in R.

About you

We seek a talented and enthusiastic post-doctoral scientist with a background in infection biology or either microbiology, molecular immunology, biochemistry, or cell biology. You should demonstrate:

Essential criteria

• Have, or be about to obtain, a relevant PhD (or equivalent)
• Extensive hands-on experience with infection of mammalian cells with bacterial pathogens.
• Excellent technical skills in core lab techniques and benchwork.
• Proven ability to use initiative to efficiently plan, optimise and progress project and communicate findings.
• At least one first author publication in an internationally recognized journal (or on repository).

Desirable criteria

• Experience with Salmonella and the ability to make mutants.
• Experience with flow cytometry.
• Experience with macrophages.
• Proficient in handling and analysing large omics datasets using R.

Our benefits include:

• Generous employer contribution pension
• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
• Ride to work and EV car scheme available

For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here.

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Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews

Name: Matthias Trost

Email Address: matthias.trost@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries and administrative support: recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk

Technical and job portal support: jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.