Location: Canterbury
Salary: £34,804 to £39,152 per annum
Grade: Grade 7
Post Type: Full Time
Contract Type: Fixed Term - 36 Months
Release Date: Tuesday 25 May 2021
Closing Date: 23.59 hours BST on Sunday 20 June 2021 (unless otherwise stated)
Interview Date: Wednesday 07 July 2021
Reference: NATS-047-21

A postdoctoral research associate position is available in the School of Biosciences at the University of Kent. We are looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious researcher to join the Ezcurra lab.

The successful candidate will contribute to the development of a project funded by The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, “The power of microbes: C. elegans as a model to identify microbiome effects on age-related muscle function”

One very promising but largely unexplored avenue to promote healthy ageing is the gut microbiome, the community of microbes in our guts. A series of studies link the microbiome to host ageing, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. In this project, we will use a C. elegans model to discover the molecular mechanisms underlying microbiome effects on age-related motility, and to work towards innovative ways to use the microbiome to improve health and quality of life for ageing people.

A PhD in microbiology, biochemistry, biomedicine or related subject is required prior to taking up this position. Candidates in the final stages of completing their degree are encouraged to apply provided they can provide a reference attesting that their PhD viva will be held before December 2021.

Appointment of the successful candidate is expected to start not later than December 2021.

For informal enquiries, contact Dr Marina Ezcurra, Lecturer in Molecular Biosciences, School of Biosciences (M.Ezcurra@kent.ac.uk)

As Postdoctoral Research Associate you will:

develop an independent approach to the research project in both the design and execution of the necessary experiments in order to deliver the specific aims of the grant
maintain excellent lab notebooks to document all aspects of the work performed
report on progress at lab meetings on a regular basis
help supervise other lab members e.g. MSc/PhD students both technically and academically
To be successful in this role you will have/be:

PhD in microbiology, biochemistry, biomedicine or related relevant discipline (or to be in the final stages of obtaining such a qualification)
experience in basic molecular biology and genetics
good written and oral communication skills
enthusiasm and motivation for research
The School of Biosciences is a vibrant, stimulating and welcoming environment for research and education within the Division of Natural Sciences. In REF2014, Bioscience at Kent was ranked 7th on the basis of ‘research intensity’, and the appointment of a range of new staff since 2014 has meant that research quantity and quality have risen still further. This is now an extremely active research environment.

The School of Biosciences is a welcoming and diverse environment that has been recognised with a Bronze Athena SWAN award. We are keen to enhance the balanced, inclusive, and diverse nature of the community within the School and would particularly encourage female candidates to apply for this post.

Please see the links below to view the full job description and to apply for this post. If you require further information regarding the application process, please contact The Resourcing Team on jobs@kent.ac.uk quoting ref number: NATS-047-21




We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates as they are under-represented at this level in this area
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Please note that we prioritise applications from current University of Kent redeployees. We will let you know if this post is to be filled by a redeployee as, in this instance, your application will unfortunately not be taken forward

Applications must be made via the University’s online application system; CVs or details sent directly to the department or via email cannot be considered.

The University of Kent values diversity and promotes equality at all levels

Due to the current COVID-19 outbreak, all interviews will take place remotely.

From 1 January 2021, non-British and non-Irish nationals who do not already hold a UK immigration status will be required to obtain a visa in order to be able to work in the UK. A new points-based system will be implemented which will treat EEA and non-EEA citizens equally. For further information please visit the UK Visas & Immigration website.