Job Description

Job Category: Academic:Grade UE07: xc2xa340,497- xc2xa348,149 per annum, pro rata if part timeCollege of Science and Engineering, School of Biological Sciences, Institute of Ecology and EvolutionFull time: 35 hours per weekFixed-term contract: 16 monthsThe Opportunity:A Postdoctoral Research Associate position is available in the research group of Dr. Helen Alexander (Institute of Ecology & Evolution, University of Edinburgh). We are looking for a researcher interested in microbial evolution and ecology, for a wet lab-based role. Applicants should have (or be close to completing) a PhD in microbiology, evolutionary biology, or a related field. The ideal candidate will have strong skills in both experimental techniques and quantitative data analysis.The project focuses on emergence of antibiotic resistance in bacterial populations, using in vitro experiments (primarily with Pseudomonas aeruginosa). We are interested in how antibiotic dose, the biotic environment, and timing of appearance of resistant mutants, affect the emergence of resistance (i.e. outgrowth from initially rare cells to a large population) under antibiotic treatment. Previously, we found that the surrounding antibiotic-sensitive population plays a dual role, either inhibiting or facilitating emergence of resistance under different conditions. Now, we aim to investigate temporal dynamics, especially how timing of appearance of resistant mutants impacts their chance of emergence. This research could also be extended in other related directions, such as investigating mechanisms underlying ecological interactions or testing similar questions in other bacterial species or antibiotic classes.The successful applicant will join an interdisciplinary research group studying microbial population dynamics and evolution ( ). The post-holder will be expected to work with a high degree of independence in designing, conducting, and analysing experiments, and will be encouraged to contribute their own ideas to the project direction. They will be expected to disseminate their results in papers, conference presentations, and/or other outputs, and will be supported in career development.This post is advertised as full-time (35 hours per week); however, we are open to considering part-time or flexible working patterns.Your skills and attributes for success:

• Experience in microbiology lab techniques
• Knowledge of evolutionary and/or ecological concepts
• Strong skills in experimental design, data processing and statistics
• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Excellent time management and organisation

Click to view a copy of the full job descriptionApplication Information:Please ensure you include the following documents in your application:

• CV
• Cover letter

As a valued member of our team you can expect:

• A competitive salary
• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, competitive pension schemes, staff discounts, and family-friendly initiatives. Check out the full list on our

(opens in a new tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the total value of your pay and benefitsChampioning equality, diversity and inclusion:The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our (opens new browser tab).The University is able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. If successful, an international applicant requiring sponsorship to work in the UK will need to satisfy the UK Home Office's English Language requirements and apply for and secure a Skilled Worker Visa.Please note if the role is offered on a part-time basis, it may result in sponsorship being dependant on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant or the role no longer meeting the Home Office's criteria for sponsorship.Key dates to note:Closing date for applications is 2 June 2025.Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.Interviews will be held online in late June or early July 2025About Us: As a world-leading research-intensive University, we are here to address tomorrow's greatest challenges. Between now and 2030 we will do that with a values-led approach to teaching, research and innovation, and through the strength of our relationships, both locally and globally.About the Team:As the modern inheritors of our 400-year-old reputation for excellence, our staff and students contribute to a vibrant academic community whose visions are shaping tomorrow's world. The School of Biological Sciences is at the leading edge in teaching, research and innovation. Independent rankings such as the Times Higher Education consistently place us amongst the top 25 universities in the world for biological sciences. We aim to ensure that our culture and systems support flexible and family-friendly working and to recognise and value diversity across all our staff and students. The School has an active programme offering support and professional development opportunities for all staff. We place a particular focus on development for early-career researchers (postgraduate and postdoctoral research staff and personal fellowship holders), offering mentoring and an active 'BioDocSoc' organisation that brings together researchers for networking, events and training opportunities.The School of Biological Sciences holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance the representation of women in science, mathematics, engineering and technology.Our contains more information about the School.

University of Edinburgh