Job Description

Job Category: Academic
:
UE07: 41,064- 48,822
College of Science & Engineering / School of Biological Sciences / Institute of Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology
Full Time: 35hrs per week
Fixed Term: 24 months
We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the team of Prof. Garry Blakely to work on a project investigating polysaccharide biosynthesis in the bacterial genus Streptococcus. Prof. Blakely's lab studies fundamental aspects of microbial physiology with a focus on enhancing industrial applications related to polysaccharide production. The overall goal is to use an engineering biology approach to study carbohydrate metabolism and generate bacterial strains with enhanced properties useful for industrial processes.
This post is advertised as full-time (35 hours per week), however, we are open to considering flexible working patterns.
The Opportunity:
This BBSRC-funded project, in collaboration with an industrial partner, will provide the postholder with the opportunity to carry out in-depth analysis of regulatory mechanisms controlling carbohydrate metabolism in the genus Streptococcus. Along with the chance to hone fundamental skills in microbiology, molecular biology and biochemistry, the research will involve multi-omics approaches including RNA-seq and metabolomics.
Your skills and attributes for success:

• PhD in relevant field (e.g. microbiology, molecular biology)
• Experience of bacterial genetics and biochemistry
• Experience of developing and optimising new techniques
• Experience in presenting, writing and publishing research
• Enthusiasm to work collaboratively and develop new skills

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As a valued member of our team you can expect:
An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work. We give you support, nurture your talent and reward success. You will benefit from a competitive reward package and a wide range of staff benefits, which includes a generous holiday entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, flexible working and much more. Click to access our (opens new browser tab) for further information and use our reward calculator to find out the total value of pay and benefits provided.
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)
Key dates to note
The closing date for applications is 9 December 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.
About 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.
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Skills Required