Research Associate in Cambridge

Research Associate in Cambridge

Cambridge Full-Time 113000 - 121000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
UNSW

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Conduct innovative research in microbiology and bioinformatics, collaborating with a dynamic team.
  • Company: Join one of Australia’s leading research universities with a vibrant community.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, generous superannuation, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Part-time role with excellent career development opportunities and a focus on collaboration.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in scientific research while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: PhD in microbiology or bioinformatics with expertise in metabolic modelling and bioinformatics pipelines.

The predicted salary is between 113000 - 121000 £ per year.

This job is based in Australia.

Position: Research Associate (Level A)

Job No: 540505

Work type: Full Time

Location: Sydney, NSW

Categories: Post Doctoral Research Associate

Salary: AU$113,000 – 121,000 per annum plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading.

Employment type: Fixed Term – to 1st July 2027

Hours: Part-time (31.5 hours per week)

The School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences is a large, collaborative and multi-disciplinary school in the Faculty of Science at the University of New South Wales with over 170 academic, research and professional staff. In 2025, the school obtained $22M in research funding, produced over 800 scientific publications and is frequently rated among the top schools across UNSW in student experience surveys. The School incorporates a broad range of disciplines, enabling comprehensive education and research in the broad fields of Earth Science, Environmental Science, Physical Geography, Climate Science, Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Marine Science and Oceanography.

Why Work With Us?

  • One of Australia’s leading research & teaching universities
  • Vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community & inclusion
  • Enjoy a career that makes a difference by collaborating & learning from the best

Specific Responsibilities

  • Contribute independently or as a team member in collaborative research with a focus to enhance the quality of research outcomes in the discipline area.
  • Conduct research (as per the norms of the discipline) and/or enable research teams to create scholarly output that is recognised by peers.
  • Undertake specific research project/s under the guidance of a research leader and contribute to development of research activities.
  • Undertake discipline-appropriate research activities, e.g. surveys, literature reviews, data gathering and/or recording of results using appropriate research methods.
  • Participate in and/or present at conferences and/or workshops relevant to the project as required.
  • Assist with the supervision of research students in the research area where required.
  • Undertake research into metabolic modelling of individual microorganisms and communities thereof.
  • Develop analysis pipelines and strategies for microbiome information, including high-throughput sequencing data.
  • Develop strategies for and execute targeted microbial cultivation using -omics and model data.
  • Align with and actively demonstrate the Code of Conduct and Values.
  • Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the university and take all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the health and safety of yourself or others.

About the Successful Applicant / Selection Criteria

  • A PhD in microbiology and/or bioinformatics.
  • High-level expertise in metabolic modelling involving the use of multi-omics data (essential).
  • Advanced understanding of microbial physiology and biochemistry (essential).
  • Proven ability to develop and implement bioinformatics pipelines (essential).
  • Laboratory skills in microbiology and/or molecular biology, including sterile techniques, PCR, sequencing, flow cytometry and/or microscopy (desirable).
  • Proven commitment to proactively keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments.
  • Demonstrated ability to undertake high quality academic research and conduct independent research with limited supervision.
  • Demonstrated track record of publications and conference presentations relative to opportunity.
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
  • Evidence of highly developed interpersonal skills.

Research Associate in Cambridge employer: UNSW

The University of New South Wales offers an exceptional work environment for Research Associates, characterised by a vibrant campus life and a strong sense of community. With access to substantial research funding and a collaborative atmosphere, employees are encouraged to grow professionally while contributing to impactful scientific advancements in a leading Australian institution.

UNSW

Contact Details:

UNSW Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Research Associate in Cambridge

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the research community, attend relevant conferences, and engage with potential colleagues on social media. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its recent projects. Show us that you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute. Tailor your responses to highlight your skills in metabolic modelling and bioinformatics.

Tip Number 3

Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make this happen!

We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in Cambridge

Research Skills
Metabolic Modelling
Multi-Omics Data Analysis
Bioinformatics Pipeline Development
Microbial Physiology
Biochemistry
Laboratory Skills in Microbiology

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Research Associate role. Highlight your PhD in microbiology or bioinformatics and any relevant experience in metabolic modelling. We want to see how your skills align with our research focus!

Showcase Your Research Skills:In your application, emphasise your expertise in developing bioinformatics pipelines and your laboratory skills. Mention any specific projects where you've successfully conducted independent research or collaborated with teams. This is your chance to shine!

Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While we appreciate professionalism, don’t be afraid to let your personality show through in your writing. Share your passion for microbiology and how you can contribute to our vibrant community at UNSW. We love a good story!

Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and keep track of your application. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at UNSW

Know Your Research Inside Out

Make sure you’re well-versed in your own research and the projects you’ve worked on. Be ready to discuss your PhD work, especially any metabolic modelling or bioinformatics pipelines you've developed. This shows you’re not just knowledgeable but also passionate about your field.

Showcase Your Team Spirit

Since collaboration is key in this role, prepare examples of how you’ve successfully worked in teams. Highlight any experiences where you’ve contributed to group research projects or supervised students, as this will demonstrate your ability to build effective relationships.

Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect questions that dive deep into your expertise in microbial physiology and biochemistry. Brush up on relevant techniques like PCR, sequencing, and flow cytometry. Being able to discuss these confidently will set you apart from other candidates.

Engage with Current Research Trends

Stay updated on the latest developments in microbiology and bioinformatics. Bring up recent papers or conferences you’ve attended during the interview. This shows your commitment to continuous learning and keeps the conversation engaging.