Queen's University Belfast is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the lab of Dr. Rachel Wheatley, UKRI Future Leaders Fellow & Group Leader. The position focuses on bacterial evolution, specifically the ecological and evolutionary processes that drive the rise and fall of antibiotic resistance in bacterial communities. This research is part of a UKRI FLF-funded project and will involve working within an interdisciplinary network of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) researchers at Queen’s. The successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge research on antibiotic resistance evolution in the microbiome, with opportunities for career development and growth. The post is fully funded for three years, offering a collaborative environment and access to a vibrant research community. Applicants should have a PhD in a relevant field such as biology, microbiology, or a related discipline, and experience in bacterial evolution, microbiome research, or antibiotic resistance is highly desirable. Full application details are available under the 'Candidate information' tab at the provided link. The deadline for applications is January 26, 2025. This is an excellent opportunity for postdoctoral researchers interested in evolutionary biology, microbiome studies, and antimicrobial resistance to advance their careers at a leading UK institution.

The Illuminate Global Challenges Fellowships at Queen's University Belfast offer an exceptional opportunity for early-career researchers in Medicine, Health, and Life Sciences. This tenure-track fellowship is designed for ambitious individuals aiming to achieve research excellence aligned with Queen’s strategic vision and global challenges. Fellows will join a vibrant academic community at a prestigious Russell Group university, renowned for world-class research and a supportive environment for establishing independent research programs. Successful applicants will benefit from a three-year scheme with a clear pathway to a permanent academic post, membership in the dedicated Fellowship Academy, and access to tailored development, mentoring, and networking opportunities. The program provides a competitive salary (£51,016–£62,695), a Fellowship Enhancement Award of up to £60,000, and funding for a full-time PhD studentship. Additional benefits include generous wellbeing support and integration into a strong network of researchers and leaders. Research areas of focus include, but are not limited to, global health challenges, immunology, molecular and cellular biology, microbiology, cancer (especially lymphoma), genomics, cell therapy, biomarker discovery, pharmaceutical sciences, drug delivery, biosensors, respiratory medicine, and public health systems. The fellowship encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and supports transformative research with real-world impact, spanning themes such as Secure Connected Systems and Economies, Healthy Equal Societies, Resilient Sustainable Planet, and Diverse Creative Cultures. Eligibility requirements include holding a relevant degree with a PhD (or equivalent), 2–8 years of post-PhD experience, and a strong publication record. Applicants must demonstrate how their research aligns with the priority areas and Queen’s Global Challenges themes. The next application round opens in 2026, and interested candidates should prepare their materials according to the Application Pack and monitor the official fellowship webpage for updates. For more information and to apply, visit the Queen’s University Belfast Illuminate Fellowship website or contact the fellowships team at [email protected].

Queen’s University Belfast, in partnership with the China Scholarship Council, is offering up to 20 fully funded PhD scholarships for Chinese students commencing studies in the 2026-27 academic year. These scholarships are open to candidates interested in research areas such as antibiotic resistance evolution, with supervision available from leading academics including Rachel Wheatley, UKRI Future Leaders Fellow and Group Leader. The program is designed for students from China who wish to pursue advanced research in biology and medical science, particularly focusing on the mechanisms and evolution of antibiotic resistance. Successful applicants will receive full coverage of international PhD tuition fees for up to three years, plus a thesis-only writing up charge. The China Scholarship Council will provide a maintenance stipend, round-trip airfare from China to the UK, and visa application fee support. Bench fees are waived or covered by the relevant supervisor or department. The scholarship is contingent on continued funding by the CSC and satisfactory academic progress at Queen’s University Belfast. Eligibility requirements include holding citizenship and permanent residency in China (PRC passport required), with the obligation to return to China after completing the degree. Applicants must possess a Bachelor’s degree with good grades (UK 2:1 equivalent or higher) and a Master’s degree from a recognized institution. Exceptionally, candidates with outstanding Bachelor’s grades may be considered without a Master’s. English language proficiency must be demonstrated by 27 January 2026, with an IELTS score of 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in each component) or TOEFL iBT 90 (with specified minimums). Higher English requirements may apply for certain schools, such as Business, Law, Psychology, Pharmacy, and Architecture. Interested candidates should consult the Queen’s University Belfast website for detailed eligibility and application instructions. The application deadline is 27 January 2026. For further information or queries, applicants can contact the International Scholarships Office at [email protected]. This opportunity is ideal for Chinese students passionate about biological and medical research, especially those interested in tackling global health challenges like antibiotic resistance. The program offers access to world-class facilities, expert supervision, and a vibrant research community at Queen’s University Belfast.