Job Description

Ref Number

B02-09420

Professional Expertise

Research and Research Support

Department

School of Life & Medical Sciences (B02)

Location

London

Working Pattern

Full time

Salary

43,981-52,586

Contract Type

Permanent

Working Type

On site

Available for Secondment

No

Closing Date

27-Oct-2025

About us

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The Division of Biosciences at UCL is one of the world's foremost centres for research and teaching in the biological sciences. We have an outstanding international reputation and a community of over 500 staff and more than 300 PhD students engaged in cutting edge research and collaboration. Further information can be found on our website https://www.ucl.ac.uk/biosciences



This is an exciting opportunity to join the Fedorec Research Group, a multidisciplinary team working in synthetic/engineering biology - a field at the interface of biology, mathematics, and engineering. We are interested in understanding, creating, and controlling complex biological systems, with a particular focus on synthetic microbial communities and their application in industrial, medical, and environmental settings.

About the role

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The main purpose of this position is to lead the molecular- and micro-biology aspects of a BBSRC-funded project focused on engineering robust, modular, synthetic microbial communities. This is a fantastic opportunity to work on foundational research with huge potential to be applied to pressing global challenges in medicine, manufacturing, environmental remediation etc.



You will create genetic tools for the modular engineering of interactions between microbes, develop protocols for the high-throughput characterisation of genetic circuit and co-culture dynamics, implement different community designs to explore their behaviour, and apply these tools to a division-of-labour bioprocess. You will collaborate closely with theorists to tightly integrate hypothesis generation and validation.



You will be expected to disseminate our work through high-quality journal articles and presentations at national and international conferences and workshops



This post is initially funded for 2 years with the possibility to extend up to a further 3 years.



Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Grade 6B (salary 39,148 - 41,833 per annum) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD Thesis.



This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-staff for more information.



A full job description and person specification for this role can be accessed below. To apply, please upload a current CV, complete the online application form, and use the supporting statement section or upload a cover letter to outline how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role.



If you have any queries about the role, please contact Dr Alex Fedorec at a.fedorec@ucl.ac.uk.



If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please contact the HR Administrator.

About you

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A strong candidate will have:


A biology or biochemistry background with a demonstrable interest in synthetic biology or microbial ecology A PhD (or be close to completion) and/or postdoctoral experience using molecular biology techniques to engineer microbes Experience with modular cloning approaches and high-throughput genetic circuit characterisation Experience with lab automation, bioreactors, and/or microbial co-cultures A proven publication record with at least one first author publication in a peer-reviewed journal/conference Outstanding written and verbal communication skills in English Excellent team-work skills with an ability to work collaboratively in a highly interdisciplinary setting Demonstrated supervisory experience of undergraduate, graduate or postgraduate students Motivation, organisational skills, independence, and ambition to drive a successful project.

This role meets the eligibility requirements for a skilled worker certificate of sponsorship or a global talent visa under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. Therefore, UCL welcomes applications from international applicants who require a visa.

What we offer

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The UCL Ways of Working supports colleagues to be successful and happy at UCL through sharing expectations around how we work - please https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/policies-advice/ways-working to find out more.



As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:


41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days) Additional 5 days' annual leave purchase scheme Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE) Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan Immigration loan Relocation scheme for certain posts On-Site nursery On-site gym Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service Discounted medical insurance

Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

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As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.



We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce.



These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.



Our division holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.



You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/