Job Description

Research Fellow (105433-0625)

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This is a re-advertisement. Previous candidates for this role need not apply.

Location
University of Warwick Campus, Coventry
Department
School of Life Sciences
Position Type
Fixed Term
Duration
Fixed Term Contract until 1st March 2027
Salary
35,116 - 45,413 per annum
About the Role

For informal enquiries, please contact Orkun Soyer (Professor) O.soyer@warwick.ac.uk

What scientific question will you investigate?

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Outline of the project aims

We are looking to hire a postdoctoral scientist to work on a project funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation within the research group of Orkun Soyer (https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/lifesci/research/osslab/).


We study symbiotic interactions within the cyanosphere - the microbial communities assembling around cyanobacteria. We develop model cyanobacteria-communities initiated from natural freshwater samples and study both assembly dynamics of these communities and the interactions within them. We have established several such model systems, where motile filamentous cyanobacteria initiate macroscopic structural formation - so-called photogranules. We study formation dynamics of these photogranules and spatial distribution of bacteria within them. To fully understand motility-driven structure formation, we aim to decipher the molecular basis of gliding motility in filamenteous cyanobacteria.


Our current team consists of two postdocs with biophysics and biochemistry background. We are now looking to expand this team with an additional, motivated postdoctoral researcher with a background in biotechnology and microbial physiology. The successful candidate is expected to drive analysis of gas and metabolite dynamics within our established model communities using quantitative techniques and analyse the resulting data in conjunction with mathematical modelling. This main direction of research will be supplemented with analysis of physiology in isolates and generation of new model systems.

About the research group

You will join the Soyer group within the School of Life Sciences at Warwick University. We are an interdisciplinary group and have a leading role within the quantitative biology cluster within the SLS. We have access to state-of-art imaging, metabolic, genomic, and proteomics facilities. We aim to combine quantitative measurements with mathematical modelling, in the broad areas of cell metabolism and microbial communities.


For more information about our lab visit https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/lifesci/research/osslab/


Our group is located on Gibbet Hill Campus, University of Warwick. We collaborate internationally and natioanally.


We and the wider University of Warwick environment offer substantial opportunities for professional development including regular opportunities to attend international conferences.


KEYWORDS: - [synthetic communities, microbial communities, microbial physiology, microbial ecology, spatial organisation, quantitative biology, cyanobacteria]



About You

If you have not yet been awarded your PhD but are near submission or have recently submitted your PhD, any offers of employment will be made as Research Assistant at the top of level 5 within the University grade structure. Upon successful award of your PhD and evidence of this fact, you will be promoted to Research Fellow on the first point of the level 6 of the University grade structure, unless exceptional experience applies to warrant a higher salary.

We are looking for someone with expertise in biotechnology and microbial physiology. We would also welcome applications from scientists interested in these topics and with backgrounds in biochemistry, molecular biology, or microbial ecology with matching quantitative skills. Applicants should be proficient in microbial culturing, metabolite measurements, quantitative data analysis techniques, and have knowledge of mathematical modelling.


For further information regarding the skills required for this role please see the personal specification section of the attached job description.



About the Department
School of Life Sciences


For further information about the School of Life Sciences please see our website at


http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/lifesci


We believe that collegiality, openness, inclusivity and diversity are essential for an excellent environment; this ethic has enabled us to gain an Athena SWAN Silver award. We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you are excited by this role, we encourage you to apply, even if your past experience does not match exactly. We also encourage applications from all groups with protected characteristics.



About the University
Born in the 60s with a mindset of boldness, imagination and collaboration, the University of Warwick is a world-leading research-intensive university with the highest academic and research standards. We're one of the world's top universities, ranked 67th in the world and 10th in the UK, with 92% of our research assessed to be 'world leading or internationally excellent'*.


You'll be joining a diverse, innovative and globally connected community committed to igniting real world progress. Here at Warwick, we offer you opportunities to follow your ambitions as long as you bring the energy and determination to succeed.

QS World University Rankings 2024

Research Excellence Framework 2021


To find out more about us visit our website.



How to Apply

CLOSING DATE: Thursday 19th June 2025 at 23:55 (BST)

To apply, submit an application form by the closing date.


Please plan for any potential delays as you will not be able to submit an application form past this deadline (even if you opened the form at, say, 23:30).


You will have to attach a CV and a cover letter.

Your

CV

should include your employment history (including your most recent employment), your education history, and any other relevant experience. Your

cover letter

should explain your

motivations for applying

to the role. It should also explain, using examples, how you meet each of the

essential and desirable criteria

detailed in the Right to Work in the UK
If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK and/or are seeking sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa, please follow this link which contains further information about obtaining the right to work in the UK.