Research Associate

Vacancy terms:

Full time, Fixed term until 31st March 2030

Hours per week: 37.5

Advert closes midnight on: 05 Nov 2026

About the role

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the University of Leicester’s School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, within the Division of Microbiology and Infection. In this UK Research and Innovation-funded role, you will undertake fundamental research into the multifunctionality of staphylococcal lipoproteins. You will establish and optimise mini-bioreactor experimental systems, lead the project’s proteomics work and develop approaches for investigating the production and function of linear peptides. 

Working independently and collaboratively, you will design and deliver microbiological, biochemical and proteomic experiments; analyse complex datasets; and communicate high-quality findings through publications, presentations and other research outputs. You will work closely with the Research Assistant, technical colleagues and external collaborators, while helping to maintain effective laboratory operations and supporting students and other members of the research team. You will also contribute to research networks, future funding activity and the wider impact and visibility of the programme.

About you

You will hold a PhD in Microbiology or a closely related discipline and have evidence of first-author peer-reviewed publication. You will bring relevant experience of bacterial communities and interactions, microbial biofilms or class 2 bacterial pathogens, together with knowledge of bacterial cell-to-cell signalling and gene regulation. You will also have used bioreactor or continuous-culture systems and have experience of protein purification or quantitative proteomics workflows. Experience of mass spectrometry and the interpretation of mass spectrometry datasets would be advantageous. 

You will be able to design and deliver research independently, apply bioinformatic and statistical approaches to complex biological data, and solve experimental problems effectively. Excellent written and verbal communication, strong organisation and a collaborative approach are essential. 

Additional information

For informal enquiries, please contact Dr. Katrin Schilcher on ks665@leicester.ac.uk 

As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying. More information regarding secondments can be found here 

Please apply via the ‘Apply’ button above.

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.

We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

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