Postdoctoral Research Officer

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY

Swansea University is a research-led university that has been making a difference since 1920. The University community thrives on exploration and discovery and offers the right balance of excellent teaching and research, matched by an enviable quality of life.

Our stunning waterfront campuses and multicultural community make us a desirable workplace for colleagues from around the world. Our reward and benefits, and ways of working enable those who join us to have enriching careers, matched by an excellent work-life balance.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This Leverhulme Trust funded research project between Swansea University, University of Liverpool and University of Exeter will use powerful model systems for studying extended manipulation of host-giant virus metabolic interactions and provide a unique view into the molecular aspects of the giant viruses, an extremely understudied portion of the Earth’s ecosystems. The post-holder will be experienced in biological chemistry and molecular microbiology.  Giant viruses occur in freshwater, terrestrial, and shallow- and deep-marine systems. Scientific evidence has shown that giant viruses can “circulate the planet”, emphasising our need for greater understanding of these viruses and how they affect the Earth’s ecosystems. For example, giant viruses impact on the fitness of algae, cyanobacteria and plankton which produce more than 70% of the oxygen we breathe and absorb 50% of the carbon dioxide and methane from the atmosphere (major contributors to climate change).

How giant viruses manipulate their hosts is not understood, and this is perhaps not surprising as these are relatively newly detected viruses (discovered only in 2003). The detection of the viral primary metabolic genes is unique in biology and runs contrary to our traditional view of virus biology. The successful candidate will discern how giant viruses parasitise and reprogram the metabolism of the host cell and how their enzymes contribute to viral biology including energetic metabolic system(s). This project will completely transform our understanding of viruses in biology and their evolution and expand further knowledge regarding the Earths’ ecosystem processes e.g. nutrient recycling and driving species biodiversity. This will impact our understanding of the dynamics of wider ecological systems and processes within which such viruses exist – e.g. photosynthesis and oxygen production – on which life on our planet depends.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

The University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity in all its practices and activities. We aim to establish an inclusive environment and welcome diverse applications from the following protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic and national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation.

As an inclusive and welcoming workplace, we value people for their skills regardless of their background. Applications are welcome in Welsh and will not be treated less favourably than those submitted in English.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A satisfactory DBS certificate must be provided before a start date can be confirmed

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