Research Assistant/ Associate in Bacteria-Host Interactions

We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.

Job description:

We are seeking an ambitious Research Assistant/Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the laboratory of Dr James Connolly in the Biosciences Institute, to uncover the molecular details and impact of sphingolipid synthesis in Gram negative bacteria.

Salary: Research Assistant £33,951 to £35,608 per annum

Research Associate £36,636 to £39,906.00 per annum 

The Role

We are seeking an ambitious Research Assistant/Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the laboratory of Dr James Connolly in the Biosciences Institute, to uncover the molecular details and impact of sphingolipid synthesis in Gram negative bacteria. This project is part of a collaborative Wellcome Trust Discovery Award.

For decades, sphingolipids were thought to be almost exclusively eukaryotic membrane components, with only a handful of unusual bacteria capable of producing them. Our recent discoveries have overturned this view, revealing that sphingolipid biosynthesis is widespread across diverse bacteria. Emerging evidence suggests sphingolipids are key determinants of membrane homeostasis, environmental adaptation, antimicrobial resistance and host-pathogen interactions.

Yet fundamental questions remain unanswered: How are diverse sphingolipids synthesised by bacteria and why do they provide a colonisation advantage to bacteria in the mammalian gut? 

The successful candidate will drive this project by combining demonstrated expertise in bacterial genetics, ‘omics approaches and in vivo models. You will determine how sphingolipid expression is regulated within the host, and how these membrane components impact on colonisation dynamics as well as competition with the microbiota. Additionally, you will use multi-omics methods to profile the intestinal environment in response to sphingolipid expressing bacteria.

You should be highly motivated, organised and able to work independently. This project forms part of a wider collaboration between multiple groups, so the successful candidate should also be excellent communicator and capable of sustaining close, interdisciplinary collaboration.

This is a fixed-term appointment, available for 3 years in the first instance (with possibility to extend) and is available from autumn/winter 2026.

We follow the Researcher Development Concordat: Researcher Development | Our Research | Newcastle University. We enable all colleagues to fulfil their research potential regardless of career stage. This commitment secures our thriving research culture and vibrant research environment. Our offer to each individual and their researcher development includes mentoring, annual research planning discussions, pooled research funding to support career development and research activities, peer review support for the development of research and innovation funding applications’.

As a Wellcome Trust funded role, the successful applicant may be eligible for the Endorsed Funder Route of the Global Talent Visa. We can provide an interest free loan scheme to support applicants who need to apply for a visa.  

We want you to feel confident when applying for a position with Newcastle University. If you would like an informal discussion to clarify any points, please contact James Connolly (James.Connolly2@newcastle.ac.uk). We are committed to making the process accessible to everyone and can provide additional support to adjustments to meet your needs’

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