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- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to develop innovative antifungal drugs and conduct cutting-edge research.
- Company: Be part of the University of Exeter, a top Russell Group university known for world-class research.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holidays, and support for career development and education.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in drug discovery while collaborating with leading experts in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Seeking experienced assay development scientists with a passion for research and innovation.
- Other info: This role offers opportunities for extension and professional growth in a beautiful Devon campus.
The predicted salary is between 42882 - 52565 £ per year.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Assay Development Scientist)
Salary: The starting salary will be from £42,882 up to £52,565 on Grade F, depending on qualifications and experience
Contractual hours: 36.5
Package: Generous holiday allowances, flexible working, pension scheme and relocation package (if applicable)
Job category/type: Research
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
This new full-time post is immediately available until 31 August 2028 on a fixed term basis.
This role may be subject to additional background screening.
Please note that we are currently advertising a similar role that might be of interest to you. You can find more details here.
The Post
The MRC Centre for Medical Mycology (MRC CMM) seeks an experienced assay development scientist 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.
This role has two key aspects. In the first instance, our goal is to develop new bioluminescent and other reporter strains of the multidrug-resistant human fungal pathogen Candida auris to support the development of murine infection models for antifungal efficacy testing, as well as for use in in vitro screens. Secondly, to develop a workflow, using genetically barcoded C. auris isolates, to determine the resistance liability of novel antifungal drugs, 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, determination of resistance liabilities of novel antifungal drugs, via both in vitro and in vivo analyses. The role will also involve the 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.
The successful applicant will be a senior member of the UoE Assay Development and Drug Discovery team, providing day-to-day oversight and guidance of the activities of the wider research team and reporting to the local and international Programme Leads. In the medium to long term, you will be expected to contribute to the overall portfolio by identifying and developing potential new approaches and projects. Career development opportunities will be available for the right candidate, including continuing education, conference attendance, scientific publishing, and development of funding applications.
The post is initially offered for 3 years, with scope for extension, subject to approval.
What we can offer you
- 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 supports high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career
- A multitude of staff benefits, including sector-leading policies 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
The University of Exeter
We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and are 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.
Our 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).
We 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.
Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment
We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.
Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community.
With 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.
We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from service people.
Further information
Before submitting an application, you may wish to discuss the post further by contacting Elaine Bignell, Co-Director (Research), MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, e.bignell@exeter.ac.uk.
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Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Assay Development Scientist) employer: University of Exeter
Contact Detail:
University of Exeter Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Assay Development Scientist)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the field of assay development and antifungal research. Attend relevant conferences or seminars where you can meet researchers from the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, Dundee Drug Discovery Unit, and GSK. Building these connections can provide insights into the role and potentially lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in antifungal drug discovery and assay development techniques. Being well-versed in current methodologies will not only boost your confidence during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous research experiences in detail, especially those related to drug discovery or assay development. Highlight specific projects where you contributed significantly, as this will showcase your expertise and suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider reaching out to current or former employees of the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology on platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide valuable insights about the work culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach during the application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Assay Development Scientist)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in assay development and antifungal drug discovery. Use specific examples from your previous work that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your enthusiasm for the role. Mention how your skills can contribute to the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology's goals.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise skills such as bioluminescent assay development, in vivo imaging, and resistance profiling. These are crucial for the role and should be clearly stated.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
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. Being able to discuss recent publications or breakthroughs will demonstrate your genuine interest and expertise in the field.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience with assay development, particularly with bioluminescent and reporter strains. Be ready to provide examples of past projects where you successfully developed workflows or conducted in vitro and in vivo analyses.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
This role involves working within a multidisciplinary team. Highlight your experience in collaborative research environments and how you've effectively communicated and coordinated with colleagues from different scientific backgrounds.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team's current projects, future directions, and how your role would contribute to the overall goals of the programme. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you assess if the position aligns with your career aspirations.
