Job Description

We are seeking to appoint a Research Fellow in Bacterial Evolution to join the UKRI FLF-funded research group of Dr Rachel Wheatley, based in the School of Biological Sciences at Queen's University Belfast.
Species interactions are a fundamental component of bacterial infections. Yet, when, and how these interactions impact the response of a bacterial pathogen to antibiotics is currently not clear. The appointee for this position will study the ecological and evolutionary processes that drive the rise and fall of antibiotic resistance in bacterial communities. The appointee will be conducting experiments to investigate bacterial pathogen invasion and evolution within a microbiome, and the selection pressures on antibiotic resistance in this environment.
We are seeking a candidate with a strong background in experimental microbiology, where experience in conducting high-throughput experiments and/or working with multi-species communities would be beneficial. This position provides an excellent opportunity for ambitious researchers with interests across evolutionary biology and microbial ecology, and the postholder will be embedded within an exciting and interdisciplinary network of AMR researchers at Queen's.
About the person:
The successful candidate must have, and your application should clearly demonstrate that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Hold or be about to obtain* a PhD in a relevant area (e.g. microbiology, evolutionary biology, microbial ecology) *must be obtained within 3 months of closing date of post
• Significant, relevant research experience in experimental microbiology.
• Experience of presenting to the scientific community i.e. conference posters or talks.

Applicants should submit CV with cover letter (max 2 pages)
To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information.
Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but in particular circumstances may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding.
What we offer:
Beyond a competitive salary, the University offers an attractive benefits package including a holiday entitlement of up to 8.4 weeks a year, pension schemes and development opportunities. We support staff wellbeing with flexible working options, work-life balance initiatives and support for physical and mental health. You can find more detail on all of this and more at .
Queen's University is committed to promoting equality of opportunity to all. We subscribe to Equality Charter Marks such as the Diversity Charter Mark NI and Athena Swan and have established staff networks such as iRise (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and International Staff Network) and PRISM (LGBTQ+) which help us progress equality. For further information on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, please visit .
If you are an international applicant and don't already hold a visa that permits you to take up the role you are applying for, please use the information provided on our website to self-assess whether the University is likely to be able to support a visa application - .

Skills Required