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- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to develop antifungal drugs and conduct innovative research.
- Company: Be part of the University of Exeter, a top Russell Group university known for impactful research.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holidays, and support for career development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare while collaborating with leading experts in drug discovery.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience in relevant fields; expertise in microbiology and genetic engineering required.
- Other info: Located in beautiful Devon, with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 34132 - 39355 £ per year.
Job Description
Postdoctoral Research Associate
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\\nSalary: The starting salary will be from £34,132 to £39,355 on Grade E, depending on qualifications and experience.
\\nContractual hours: 36.5
\\nPackage: Generous holiday allowances, flexible working, pension scheme and relocation package (if applicable).
\\nJob category/type: Research
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\\nFaculty of Health and Life Sciences
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\\nThis new full-time post is immediately available on a fixed term basis until 31 August 2028.
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\\nThis role may be subject to additional background screening.
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\\nThe post
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\\nThe MRC Centre for Medical Mycology (MRC CMM) seeks an experienced research associate to join a recently funded 5-year programme of antifungal drug discovery at the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology. This exciting new programme connects MRC CMM researchers with drug discovery experts and scientists from the Dundee Drug Discovery Unit (DDU) (www.drugdiscovery.dundee.ac.uk/) and GSK Global Health Medicines R&D to facilitate the discovery and development of new drugs for invasive fungal diseases. Together, the MRC CMM, DDU and GSK GHM form a dynamic and multidisciplinary group that covers all aspects of drug discovery up to candidate selection.
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\\nThis Wellcome-funded three-year post is available immediately.
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\\nThis role will address two key aspects of programme development; the design and construction of new bioluminescent and other reporter strains of human fungal pathogens, to support the development of murine infection models for antifungal efficacy testing as well as for use in in vitro screens. Secondly, to contribute to the development, optimisation and implementation of an automated workflow to determine the drug susceptibility and resistance liabilities of novel antifungal drugs, across a wide range of fungal pathogens, both alone and in combination with existing antifungal drugs. Areas of interest are: development of in vivo imaging assays for understanding efficacy of novel antifungal drugs, assay development, and determination of resistance liabilities of novel antifungal drugs via both in vitro and in vivo analyses. The role will also involve provision of support for cross-profiling of hit and lead compounds against a panel of human fungal pathogens in preparation for full drug discovery programmes.
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\\nAbout you
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\\nThe successful applicant will work alongside senior members of the UoE Assay Development and Drug Discovery team, aligned to the activities of the wider research team and reporting to the local and international Programme Leads. Career development opportunities will be available for the right candidate, including continuing education, conference attendance, scientific publishing and development of funding applications.
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\\nThe successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.
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\\nApplicants will possess, or be nearing completion of a relevant PhD, or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes.
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\\nApplicants will have experience of culturing micro-organisms (bacteria or yeast/fungi) at containment level 2, measuring microbial (bacteria or yeast/fungi) growth using optical density or other methods, undertake genetic engineering of pathogenic fungi including Candida, Cryptococcus and Aspergillus species, and have experience of murine infection models.
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\\nPlease ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.
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\\nWhat we can offer you
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- Support to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research
- Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
- An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
- Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career
- A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks’ full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks’ full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy
- A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon
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\\nThe University of Exeter
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\\nWe are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024). We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes.
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\\nOur world-leading research impact has grown more than any other Russell Group university in recent years, and we are home to some of the world’s most influential researchers, seeking to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today. More than 99 percent of our research is of international quality and 47 percent is world-leading (2021 Research Excellence Framework).
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\\nWe encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research – Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City
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\\nOur Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment
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\\nWe are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.
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\\nWhilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community.
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\\nWith over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries, we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer.
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\\nWe are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from service people.
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\\nFurther information
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\\nBefore submitting an application, you may wish to discuss the post further by contacting Elaine Bignell, Programme Lead, elaine.bignell@exeter.ac.uk.
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Postdoctoral Research Associate: Drug Discovery employer: University of Exeter
Contact Detail:
University of Exeter Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Associate: Drug Discovery
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the field of drug discovery, especially those connected to the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology and the Dundee Drug Discovery Unit. Attend relevant conferences or seminars where you can meet researchers and industry experts, as personal connections can often lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in antifungal drug discovery and related research methods. Being well-versed in current trends and technologies will not only enhance your discussions during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience with culturing micro-organisms and genetic engineering techniques. Be ready to provide specific examples of your work with pathogenic fungi, as this practical knowledge is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider reaching out to current or former employees of the University of Exeter or the MRC CMM to gain insights into the work culture and expectations. This information can help you tailor your approach and show that you are a good fit for the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Associate: Drug Discovery
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description and person specification. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications for the Postdoctoral Research Associate position in Drug Discovery.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience, particularly in drug discovery, microbiology, and any specific techniques mentioned in the job description, such as genetic engineering of fungi or murine infection models.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that connects your background and skills to the specific requirements of the role. Emphasise your research experience, ability to communicate complex information, and any collaborative projects you've been involved in.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, make sure to showcase your experience with culturing micro-organisms, measuring microbial growth, and any familiarity with automated workflows for drug susceptibility testing, as these are crucial for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Exeter
✨Know Your Research
Familiarise yourself with the latest developments in antifungal drug discovery and the specific projects at the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology. Be prepared to discuss how your previous research aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their ongoing projects.
✨Demonstrate Technical Skills
Highlight your experience with culturing micro-organisms, genetic engineering, and murine infection models. Be ready to provide specific examples of your work and how it relates to the role, showcasing your hands-on skills and knowledge in these areas.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you would approach challenges in drug discovery. Think about potential scenarios you might face in the role and prepare thoughtful responses that demonstrate your critical thinking and adaptability.
✨Showcase Communication Skills
Since the role involves presenting research progress and preparing proposals, practice articulating complex information clearly and concisely. Be ready to discuss how you have effectively communicated your research findings in the past, both orally and in writing.
