At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to research insect-vectored diseases in plants and contribute to groundbreaking studies.
- Company: Keele University, known for innovative research and a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, professional development, and discounted health facilities.
- Other info: Flexible working practices and opportunities for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in plant health while collaborating with experts across Europe.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience in molecular entomology or related fields required.
The predicted salary is between 37350 - 45650 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the School of Life Sciences as a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work on an insect-vectored bacterial disease in plants. Planthoppers vector this bacterial disease which causes significant problems in parts of Europe. This role is part of a consortium led by Keele University with research partners in the UK and Germany.
The postholder will play a central role in delivering the insect-focused, laboratory components of the project, working with Dr Trisna Tungadi. They will play a critical role in unravelling the insect vector’s ecology and transmission biology. They will work alongside other consortium partners in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary research team. Strong communication, organisational, and time management skills are essential.
Applicants should hold a PhD or have equivalent postdoctoral-level work experience in molecular entomology, plant pathology, or related discipline. They should possess strong data analysis and scientific writing skills. Experience in some, but not necessarily all, of the following areas is desirable:
- Rearing insect colonies
- Designing and conducting insect bioassay experiments
- Analysing insect probing behaviour using Electrical Penetration Graph (EPG)
- Molecular biology techniques including DNA and RNA extractions from insects and plant materials for downstream analytical applications such as PCR, RT-PCR, qRT-PCR
Previous experience working with planthopper and bioinformatics are advantageous but not essential. The role will involve occasional travels within the UK and Europe for field sampling and research visits to partner institutions.
The University recognises that its success depends upon the contribution and dedication of its talented staff. We have a competitive benefits package available:
- Competitive rate of pay with annual increments within the grade (Keele Spine)
- Generous annual leave entitlement with opportunities to purchase additional leave
- Access to continued personal, professional career development
- Discounted health & fitness facilities on site
- Cycle to work scheme (subject to eligibility)
- Excellent staff pension scheme
- On site ‘outstanding’ nursery
Please note that the starting salary will typically be at the bottom of the pay scale shown above. The University is committed to operating flexible working practices wherever possible.
Keele University is renowned for its exciting approach to higher education, innovative research, beautiful campus, strong community and excellent student experience. With a turnover in excess of £170 million, over 15,000 students and a total staff of approximately 2000, the University provides high quality teaching across a wide range of academic and vocational subjects and promotes world-class research.
Keele University values equity and diversity across our workforce, ensuring our staff community is reflective of the diversity of our student population. In support of this commitment, we welcome applications from individuals of Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds for all roles.
Interviews will be held: 7 or 11 December 2026.
Essential requirements: Please see job description and person specification.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme.
About Disability Confident: Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.
Molecular Entomologist in Newcastle under Lyme employer: Keele University
Keele University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises community engagement and personal development. As a Keele in Town Venue Co-ordinator, you will enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, and access to professional growth opportunities, all within a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion. Located in the heart of Newcastle under Lyme, this role allows you to be at the forefront of community interaction while contributing to a renowned institution dedicated to innovative education and research.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Molecular Entomologist in Newcastle under Lyme
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Keele University. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Keele University!
We think you need these skills to ace Molecular Entomologist in Newcastle under Lyme
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Keele University that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Keele University.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Keele University does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Keele University
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Keele University. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Keele University's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Keele University. This shows your passion for the industry!
