RESEARCH FELLOW (108344-1123)

RESEARCH FELLOW (108344-1123)

Location: University of Warwick Campus, Coventry

Department: School of Life Sciences

Position Type: Full Time, Fixed Term

Duration: There is funding to recruit a PDRA on FA6 for 24 months; funding is restricted to end by 31.03.2027.

Salary: Up to £44,263 circa applicable to your knowledge skills and experience

About the Role

Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation

What scientific question will you investigate?  / Outline of the project aims

We are looking to hire postdoctoral scientists to join our existing team working on a project funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation within the research group of Orkun Soyer.

In this project, we aim to understand the relations between spatial organization and metabolic interactions within a cyanobacterial, structurally organised community (see: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.12.13.520286v1). Using phototrophic granules from a freshwater reservoir as our model system, we are combining approaches from microbial physiology and biophysics to understand and model the emergence of spatial organization.  

We are looking to hire a Research Fellow with skills in biophysics to complement our existing team of microbiologist and analytical chemist. The successful candidate will work together with the existing team, focusing on understanding emergence of spatial organization in our model granule system and its contribution to function. This will entail development of microscopy-based and macroscopic imaging methods as well as image analysis approaches tracking individual cells and cell collectives. Specific approaches to develop and apply can include fluorescent microscopy, image analysis, microfluidics, and mechanical measurements.

Candidates should have a background in physics, systems biology, cell biology, or microbial physiology. Candidates should have experience in one or multiple of the key quantitative techniques such as fluorescent microscopy, image analysis, mechanical measurements and chemical sensing using micro-probes. Ideal candidates should be familiar with any one or multiple of these, or similar, techniques. They should have experience in working with microbial cells and in experiment design and conduct.

About the research group

You will join the research group of Orkun Soyer in the School of Life Sciences at Warwick University. We are a diverse group of interdisciplinary scientists who study cell metabolism and microbial communities.

For more information about our lab visit our website. We are part of the larger Quantitative Biology cluster at Warwick: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/lifesci/research/qseb/

And have access to world-leading facilities in microscopy and analytical techniques.

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

Any requests for further information about the role can be directed to Orkun Soyer at o.soyer@warwick.ac.uk . 

Please note that due to the nature of this role and business operation requirements, the successful applicant will be required to work the majority of their time on campus.

About You

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

We are looking for someone with expertise in physics, systems biology, cell biology, or microbial physiology. Candidates should have experience in one or multiple of the key quantitative techniques such as fluorescent microscopy, image analysis, mechanical measurements and chemical sensing using micro-probes. Ideal candidates should be familiar with any one or multiple of these, or similar, techniques. They should have experience in working with microbial cells and in experiment design and conduct.

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 in the UK points-based immigration system please click on this link which contains further information about obtaining right to work in the UK and details about eligibility for sponsorship for a Skilled Worker Visa.

 For those eligible, the University of Warwick offers relocation and Immigration Support Scheme packages to assist with costs of relocating and any associated visa applications and Immigration Health surcharge (IHS) fees.

About the Department

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 traditionally under-represented in STEM fields.

In your application, you can also include any career breaks you may have taken (e.g. parental/caring/long-term sick leave, part-time work, secondments) or any periods where you were unable or restricted to work because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

For informal enquiries, please contact Orkun Soyer (O.Soyer@warwick.ac.uk). To apply please complete your essential personal details and attach a CV and cover letter by the closing date of 2 January 2024.

Applications should include a CV and a covering letter expressing the reasons for your interest in this post.  The CV should include a list of publications and the contact details of two referees.

Please attached a covering letter with your application/CV outlining specifically how you believe you meet the essential criteria and the degree to which you meet the desirable criteria for the post as outlined in the person specification. This information will be used in the shortlisting process and without this evidence we may not be able to shortlist your application.

The interviews will be held on a date to be confirmed.

What we Offer 

We will provide you with a great range of benefits, which include an attractive pension scheme, 30 days holiday plus Christmas closure, excellent learning and development opportunities, and savings on a wide range of products and services. We offer a generous maternity/paternity/adoption/parental leave policy, and onsite childcare facilities. 

We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer you access to flexible working, for more information click here. 

We are proud to say that we are a Living Wage employer.