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Durham University
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Postdoctoral Research Associate in Molecular Biosciences: Microbial Mortality and Nutrient Recycling Durham University in United Kingdom
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Biochemistry
Funding
Fixed-term, full-time employment for 36 months at Grade 7, with a salary of £39,560–£46,970. The post is funded by the Templeton World Charity Foundation project. University employment benefits include pension, annual leave and other staff benefits; visa costs may be covered in accordance with University policy.
Deadline
Nov 28, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
Durham University
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About this position
Durham University’s Department of Biosciences invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Molecular Biosciences working on microbial mortality and nutrient recycling.
The project, “A New Science of Death: Microbial Mortality as a Window into the Architecture and Meaning of Life,” investigates how the death of microorganisms influences the recycling of biomolecules and the functioning of ecosystems. The Durham work package focuses on how dead bacterial cells are broken down into nutrients that can be reused by living organisms.
Based in Professor Martin Cann’s laboratory, the researcher will investigate the hypothesis that bacterial enzymes retain important post-mortem functions. The project will combine experimental microbiology with transcriptomics, metabolomics, genetics and large-scale Escherichia coli mutant collections to identify gene products active after death and determine how they support nutrient acquisition by neighbouring bacteria.
The research will provide molecular and systems-level insight into the connections between bacterial death, nutrient recycling and ecosystem function. The post-holder will join the Cann group in bespoke interdisciplinary laboratories at the biology–chemistry interface and contribute to a major consortium involving Durham, Edinburgh, Oxford and Cambridge.
The wider programme brings together experimental scientists with scholars in the arts, humanities and social sciences. Fellows will participate in interdisciplinary workshops addressing the theological, philosophical and sociological implications of microbial death, while contributing to research presentations, publications, collaborations and the development of research methods.
Funding details
Fixed-term, full-time employment for 36 months at Grade 7, with a salary of £39,560–£46,970. The post is funded by the Templeton World Charity Foundation project. University employment benefits include pension, annual leave and other staff benefits; visa costs may be covered in accordance with University policy.
What's required
Applicants must have a good first degree in biological sciences or chemistry and a PhD in molecular bioscience, biochemistry, microbiology or a related subject, or be close to being awarded one. Essential experience includes high-quality academic research, writing for highly ranked journals, presenting research at national and international conferences, communicating complex information, and experience in molecular biosciences and microbiology. Applicants must be able to work cooperatively and independently, meet strict deadlines, and demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Desirable criteria include a strong peer-reviewed publication record, conference presentation experience, collaborative research proposal development, student supervision or demonstrator experience, molecular evolution experience, and the ability to plan and manage independent research.
How to apply
Apply online through the Durham University recruitment system. Submit a CV and cover letter detailing your experience, skills and achievements against the person specification. Academic enquiries may be sent to Prof Martin Cann at [email protected].
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Prepare your application
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