Molecular Entomologist

The Opportunity 

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the School of Life Sciences as a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work on an insect-vectored bacterial disease in plants. Planthoppers vector this bacterial disease which cause significant problems in parts of Europe. This role is part of a consortium led by Keele University with research partners in the UK and Germany.

The postholder will play a central role in delivering the insect-focused, laboratory components of the project, working with Dr Trisna Tungadi. They will play a critical role in unravelling the insect vector’s ecology and transmission biology. They will work alongside other consortium partners in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary research team. Strong communication, organisational, and time management skills are essential. 

Applicants should hold a PhD or have equivalent postdoctoral-level work experience in molecular entomology, plant pathology, or related discipline. They should possess strong data analysis and scientific writing skills. Experience in some, but not necessarily all, of the following areas is desirable: rearing insect colonies, designing and conducting insect bioassay experiments, analysing insect probing behaviour using Electrical Penetration Graph (EPG), molecular biology techniques including DNA and RNA extractions from insects and plant materials for downstream analytical applications such as PCR, RT-PCR, qRT-PCR. Previous experience working with planthopper and bioinformatics are advantageous but not essential. The role will involve occasional travels within the UK and Europe for field sampling and research visits to partner institutions. 

The Benefits

The University recognises that its success depends upon the contribution and dedication of its talented staff. We have a competitive benefits package available:  

• Competitive rate of pay with annual increments within the grade (Keele Spine).
• Generous annual leave entitlement with opportunities to purchase additional leave.
• Excellent staff pension scheme.
• Access to continued personal, professional career development.
• On site ‘outstanding’ nursery.
• Discounted health & fitness facilities on site. 
• Cycle to work scheme (subject to eligibility).

Please note that the starting salary will typically be at the bottom of the pay scale shown above.

The University is committed to operating flexible working practices wherever possible. 

The University

Keele University is renowned for its exciting approach to higher education, innovative research, beautiful campus, strong community and excellent student experience. With a turnover in excess of £170 million, over 15,000 students and a total staff of approximately 2000, the University provides high quality teaching across a wide range of academic and vocational subjects and promotes world-class research. Information can be found at https://www.keele.ac.uk/about/.

Keele University values equity and diversity across our workforce, ensuring our staff community is reflective of the diversity of our student population. In support of these commitment, we welcome applications from individuals of Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds for all roles.

How to Apply

To apply online for this vacancy and for full post details and copies of job descriptions, please click on the 'Apply' button above.

Keele University employees wishing to apply should login to Employee Self Service and click on the 'View current vacancies' link. 

For informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Trisna Tungadi t.d.tungadi@keele.ac.uk. Applications to this address will not be accepted.

Closing Date: 22 November 2026

Interviews will be held: 7 or 11 December 2026

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