At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead research on bacteriophages in aquaculture, focusing on shrimp and tilapia farms.
- Company: Join the University of Leicester, a century-old institution dedicated to impactful research and community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, excellent pension, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in sustainable aquaculture while working in a dynamic, multidisciplinary team.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field with experience in microbiology, virome analysis, and programming skills.
- Other info: Opportunities for mentorship and travel to Vietnam; applications for job share considered.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
About The Role
We are seeking a talented and driven Research Associate to join the Becky Mayer Centre for Phage Research within the Department of Genetics, Genomics and Cancer Sciences at the University of Leicester. This role offers a unique opportunity to play a vital role in a high-impact international project addressing infectious diseases in aquaculture.
Working in close collaboration with partners in Vietnam, you will lead efforts to isolate and characterise bacteriophages from shrimp and tilapia farms in the Mekong Delta. Your work will contribute to the development of sustainable, environmentally friendly therapeutic approaches to improve aquaculture resilience in Southeast Asia. You’ll be part of a vibrant, multidisciplinary team conducting cutting-edge research into phage metagenomics and virome analysis.
You will have autonomy in planning and executing research, managing data collection and interpretation, contributing to publications and grant applications, and disseminating findings at international conferences. You’ll also have the opportunity to mentor junior researchers and students while supporting the wider objectives of the research centre.
About You
You will hold a PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline, with experience in environmental microbiology, large-scale environmental sample processing, and DNA extraction for viromes. You’ll bring strong expertise in phage isolation and characterisation, as well as computational skills including Linux and programming languages such as Python, Perl or Bash.
A solid understanding of aquaculture and fish pathogens is essential, along with knowledge of metagenomics and virome analysis. You’ll be a confident communicator with proven experience of working both independently and collaboratively on research projects. A commitment to continuous professional development and a willingness to travel and work in Vietnam are key.
We value individuals who are proactive, inclusive, and impact-driven—aligned with our values as Citizens of Change. If you\’re looking to make a meaningful contribution to sustainable aquaculture and thrive in a dynamic research environment, we would love to hear from you.
Additional information
Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Professor Martha Clokie or Associate Professor Andy Millard, Centre for Phage Research, centre4phageresearch@leicester.ac.uk.
Applications for job share will be considered.
As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying. More information regarding secondments can be found here
The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.
As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.
We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Research Associate - Aquaculture Vietnam employer: University of Leicester School of Business
Contact Detail:
University of Leicester School of Business Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate - Aquaculture Vietnam
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest research in phage metagenomics and virome analysis. This will not only help you understand the current trends but also allow you to engage in meaningful discussions during interviews, showcasing your passion and knowledge in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in aquaculture and microbiology, especially those who have experience working in Vietnam. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and mentors who can provide insights and possibly refer you to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous research experiences in detail, particularly any projects involving environmental microbiology or phage isolation. Be ready to explain your methodologies and the impact of your work, as this will demonstrate your capability and readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your programming skills by highlighting any relevant projects or contributions you've made using Linux, Python, Perl, or Bash. Being able to discuss how you've applied these skills in real-world scenarios will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate - Aquaculture Vietnam
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in environmental microbiology, phage isolation, and virome analysis. Emphasise any previous research projects that align with the role's focus on aquaculture.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for sustainable aquaculture and how your skills can contribute to the research centre's goals. Mention your willingness to travel and work in Vietnam, as well as your commitment to professional development.
Highlight Technical Skills: Clearly outline your computational skills, including proficiency in Linux and programming languages like Python, Perl, or Bash. Provide examples of how you've used these skills in past research.
Showcase Communication Abilities: Demonstrate your experience in both independent and collaborative research settings. Include examples of how you've communicated findings, whether through publications, presentations, or mentoring junior researchers.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Leicester School of Business
✨Showcase Your Research Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous research projects in detail, especially those related to environmental microbiology and virome analysis. Highlight specific methodologies you used, challenges you faced, and how you overcame them.
✨Demonstrate Technical Skills
Make sure to mention your proficiency in Linux and programming languages like Python, Perl, or Bash. Be ready to provide examples of how you've applied these skills in your research, particularly in data collection and analysis.
✨Express Your Passion for Aquaculture
Convey your understanding of aquaculture and fish pathogens during the interview. Discuss any relevant experiences or insights you have that demonstrate your commitment to sustainable practices in this field.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Have thoughtful questions ready for your interviewers about the research centre's projects, collaboration with Vietnamese partners, and opportunities for professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.