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University of Otago

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Postdoctoral Fellow in Microbiology and Antimicrobial Research University of Otago in New Zealand

Degree Level

Postdoc

Field of study

Chemistry

Funding

Full-time fixed-term postdoctoral position for 12 months with a salary of $92,350 per annum. The project is part of the Wellcome Leap Focused Antibiotics programme; no tuition or stipend details are provided beyond salary.

Deadline

Sep 16, 2026

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Country

New Zealand

University

University of Otago

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Keywords

Chemistry
Microbiology
Drug Delivery
Biology
Antibiotic Resistance
Medical Science
Pharmacy
Pathogen Biology
Bacterial Pathogenesis
Pharmaceutical Chemistry

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About this position

University of Otago is advertising a Postdoctoral Fellow in Microbiology within the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, working closely with the Gamble Laboratory in the School of Pharmacy in Ōtepoti / Dunedin, New Zealand.

The project sits within the Wellcome Leap Focused Antibiotics programme and aims to develop antibiotic strategies that deliver drugs to the site of infection while minimizing disruption to the gut microbiome. The role is highly collaborative and milestone-driven, with links to antimicrobial resistance research, bacterial pathogenesis, medicinal chemistry, synthetic chemistry, drug delivery, and microbiome-focused antibiotic development.

The successful candidate will lead the experimental microbiology and infection-model components of the project. Responsibilities include evaluating antibiotic activity against clinically relevant bacterial pathogens, optimizing in vitro assays, and assessing lead compounds in preclinical infection models. A major emphasis is on developing and applying in vivo bacterial infection models to measure antibacterial efficacy and support progression of promising candidates.

Applicants must hold a PhD in microbiology, infection biology, antimicrobial research, or a closely related discipline. Strong practical experience in bacteriology and microbiology is required, including bacterial culture, quantitative microbiology, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The post also requires the ability to design and independently execute experiments, analyse complex datasets, and communicate results effectively. A strong publication record with first-author papers is expected. Experience with mouse models of bacterial infection is strongly preferred, and additional experience with time-kill assays, biofilm models, bioluminescent imaging, pharmacological treatment studies, molecular microbiology, and bacterial genetics is advantageous.

This is a full-time, fixed-term 12-month position based in Dunedin. The salary is $92,350 per annum. Applicants must have the right to live and work in New Zealand.

To apply, submit a short cover letter, a detailed CV highlighting relevant microbiology and in vivo infection experience and publications, and the names and contact details of at least two academic or scientific referees. Applications close on 2026-09-16, and candidates should quote reference number 2601348.

Funding details

Full-time fixed-term postdoctoral position for 12 months with a salary of $92,350 per annum. The project is part of the Wellcome Leap Focused Antibiotics programme; no tuition or stipend details are provided beyond salary.

What's required

Applicants must hold a PhD in microbiology, infection biology, antimicrobial research, or a closely related discipline. Strong hands-on experience in experimental bacteriology and microbiology is required, including bacterial culture, quantitative microbiology, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Candidates should be able to design, optimise, and independently execute microbiological experiments, analyse and communicate complex datasets, and have a strong publication record with first-author papers in reputable peer-reviewed journals. Excellent organisational skills, independence in a fast-moving milestone-driven programme, and strong written and verbal communication skills are expected. Experience with in vivo bacterial infection models, especially mouse models, is strongly preferred; additional experience with infection routes, therapeutic intervention studies, bacterial burden measurements, tissue processing, longitudinal imaging, time-kill assays, biofilm models, bioluminescent imaging, pharmacological treatment studies, molecular microbiology, and bacterial genetics is advantageous. Applicants must have the right to live and work in New Zealand.

How to apply

Prepare a short cover letter, a detailed CV highlighting relevant microbiology and in vivo infection experience and publications, and the names and contact details of at least two academic or scientific referees. Submit the application via the apply button and quote reference number 2601348.

More information can be found here

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