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- Tasks: Lead research on carbon-fixing microbial communities in Icelandic hot springs.
- Company: Join a dynamic lab at the University of Manchester, focused on microbiome ecology.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, excellent pension, and generous leave plus discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of groundbreaking research with a collaborative team and state-of-the-art facilities.
- Qualifications: Ideal for those with a background in biology, ecology, or related fields.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; we celebrate diversity and welcome all applicants.
The predicted salary is between 32100 - 36000 £ per year.
We wish to appoint a PostDoctoral Research Associate to an exciting project exploring the assembly, stability and function of microbial decomposer communities.
This post is part of an interdisciplinary, Pushing the Frontiers grant funded by the Natural Environment Research Council, involving data and models for microbial communities both assembling in the field and constructed in the laboratory.
The post-holder will lead mathematical modelling and bioinformatic analyses, collaborating in experiments to explore microbiome dynamics, with particular focus on community assembly. The postholder will join a dynamic research environment with access to state‑of‑the‑art lab and computational facilities. Chris Knight, Kat Coyte, Sophie Nixon and Mike Brockhurst are all investigators on the grant, whose research groups are part of the MERMan research cluster of more than 100 researchers working in microbial ecology and evolution.
Equal Opportunities
The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences is strongly committed to promoting equality and diversity, including the Athena SWAN Charter for gender equality in higher education. The School holds a Bronze Award which recognises their good practice in relation to gender; including flexible working arrangements, family‑friendly policies, and support to allow staff to achieve a good work‑life balance.
As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments will be made on merit.
What you will get in return
- Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
- Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
- Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
- Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
- Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers
Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here. Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.
Please be aware that due to the number of applications we are unfortunately not able to provide individual feedback on your application.
Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies. Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to people.talent@manchester.ac.uk. Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.
Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews
Name: Chris Knight
Email: chris.knight@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries
Email: recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk
Technical support
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home
This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.
Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.
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\'Research Associate in Microbiome Ecology employer: The University of Manchester
Contact Detail:
The University of Manchester Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land \'Research Associate in Microbiome Ecology
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest research in microbiome ecology, particularly studies related to carbon-fixing microbial communities. This will not only enhance your understanding but also allow you to engage in informed discussions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Connect with current or former members of the Coyte Lab group on professional networking sites like LinkedIn. This can provide you with insider knowledge about the lab culture and ongoing projects, which can be beneficial during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with mathematical modelling and bioinformatics in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of past projects where you've applied these skills, as they are crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest developments in environmental microbiology and synthetic biology. Being knowledgeable about recent advancements can help you stand out as a candidate who is genuinely passionate about the field.
We think you need these skills to ace \'Research Associate in Microbiome Ecology
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the specific requirements and responsibilities of the Research Associate position. Pay attention to the skills needed, such as mathematical modelling and bioinformatic analyses.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in microbiome ecology, lab experiments, and any computational modelling work you've done. Make sure to include specific examples that demonstrate your expertise in these areas.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your enthusiasm for the project and the Coyte Lab group. Mention how your background aligns with the goals of the research on carbon-fixing microbial communities.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Manchester
✨Know Your Research
Familiarise yourself with the specific research projects of the Coyte Lab, especially those related to carbon-fixing microbial communities. Being able to discuss their work and how your skills align with their goals will show your genuine interest and preparedness.
✨Highlight Relevant Skills
Make sure to emphasise your experience in mathematical modelling, bioinformatics, and lab experiments. Prepare examples of past projects where you successfully applied these skills, as this will demonstrate your capability for the role.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a list of insightful questions ready to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about the lab's future projects, collaboration opportunities within the MERMan research cluster, or the specific methodologies they employ in their research.
✨Show Enthusiasm for Teamwork
Since the position involves working within a dynamic lab group, express your enthusiasm for collaboration. Share experiences where you worked effectively in teams, particularly in interdisciplinary settings, to illustrate your ability to contribute positively to the lab environment.
