At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a groundbreaking project exploring microbial death and its impact on life.
- Company: Durham University, a leader in interdisciplinary research.
- Benefits: Full-time contract with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Other info: Inclusive environment welcoming diverse candidates and supporting reasonable adjustments.
- Why this job: Be part of a unique team blending science with arts and humanities.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and a passion for interdisciplinary research.
The predicted salary is between 32824 - 40118 £ per year.
We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities, neurodiversity and long-term health conditions, and we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the recruitment and interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, adjustments will be made to support people within their role. If you are unable to complete your application via our recruitment system or would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to support you in the application process, please get in touch with us on e.recruitment@durham.ac.uk.
Department of Biosciences
Fixed Term - Full Time Contract Duration: 36 Months
Closing Date: 27-Nov-2026, 11:59:00 PM
Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement: Not Applicable.
A New Science of Death: Microbial Mortality as a Window into the Architecture and Meaning of Life
We invite applications for five postdoctoral research fellowships funded by the Templeton World Charity Foundation in a project entitled “A New Science of Death: Microbial Mortality as a Window into the Architecture and Meaning of Life”. This project is the first step in our long-term scientific goal of discovering how the ways in which living organisms die have shaped life from its origins to the present day. The project combines experimental science with sustained engagement from scholars in the arts, humanities and social sciences (AHSS), creating a uniquely interdisciplinary framework for understanding death as both a biological process and societal phenomenon.
Project Director Prof Wilson Poon (Edinburgh) and co-Director Prof Cait MacPhee will coordinate a team of scientists – Prof Filippo Menolascina and Dr Aidan Brown (Edinburgh), Prof Teuta Pilizota (Cambridge), Prof Stuart West (Oxford) and Prof Martin Cann (Durham) – to study how microbes die and the fate of the biomolecules that remain in the ecosystems they occupied. Throughout the project, these scientists will engage in an ongoing dialogue with scholars from AHSS, coordinated by Prof Jane Calvert (Edinburgh) and Dr Fred Simmons (Center for Theological Sciences, Princeton) to facilitate a genuine two-way exchange of knowledge, exploring the wider implications of the scientific research while allowing perspectives from the AHSS disciplines to inform the experimental programme.
The fellows will work in five science work packages that examine:
- How stressed cells transition toward death (Cambridge, working with Prof Teuta Pilizota)
- How dead cells are broken down into nutrients for other living organisms (Durham, working with Prof Martin Cann)
- How death can shape the architecture of microbial communities (Edinburgh, working with Prof Cait MacPhee and Filippo Menolascina)
- The evolution of death strategies (Oxford, working with Prof Stuart West)
- The energetics of death (Edinburgh, working with Dr Aidan Brown)
The specific requirements for each post are detailed separately, but we expect each appointee to have the aptitude and interest to contribute to other work packages and to show a genuine interest in the wider transdisciplinary explorations. In particular, they will play a full role in three annual workshops exploring the theological, philosophical and sociological dimensions of the emerging science of microbial death.
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Molecular Biosciences in North East employer: Durham University
Durham University is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and supportive work culture that fosters professional growth and development. As a Strategic Pre-Award Grants Manager, you will benefit from a dynamic environment that values innovation and teamwork, while also enjoying access to comprehensive training opportunities and a commitment to work-life balance in the vibrant city of Durham.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Associate in Molecular Biosciences in North East
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at Durham University, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
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We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Associate in Molecular Biosciences in North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Durham University. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Durham University. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Durham University
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Durham University. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Durham University to drive research projects forward.
