Research Fellow

The School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Sciences (MDBS) at Queen’s University Belfast, is currently seeking to recruit a talented Research Fellow.

The postholder will be a highly productive, ambitious and collaborative member of the Infection Biology research team led by Prof Jose Bengoechea located at the Wellcome-Wolfson institute for Experimental Medicine. The position will involve working as part of a BBSRC-funded research programme that seeks to characterise the antimicrobial function of the type VI secretion system (T6SS) of the human pathogen Klebsiellapneumoniae. The project focuses on characterizing the antibacterial and antifungi function of the T6SS effectors, and dissecting the assemblies needed for the delivery of these effectors. The project will utilise single cell approaches, and high-throughput screens, and it is based in a highly collaborative international team. The post is a senior role in the team and as such, successful applicants will have responsibilities in independent research, supervision, planning, day-to-day lab management, collaborations and outreach.

Applications are invited from highly motivated, efficient and organised individuals with a strong commitment to research. The successful candidate will have a very strong background in molecular microbiology and will be seeking an ambitious research project in a well-supported environment.

This post is available on a fixed term contract for 16 months, or available until 31/08/2025, whichever is sooner. Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but in particular circumstances may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding.

The successful candidate must have, and your application should clearly demonstrate that you meet the following criteria:

• Have or about to obtain* a PhD in molecular microbiology or closely related area (*must be obtained within 4 months of starting).
• Substantial research experience in molecular microbiology.
• Recent extensive hands-on experience in at least two of the following:

Molecular bacteriology (specifically construction of mutants of biosafety level 2 bacterial pathogens)

Assessing bacterial gene transcription

Bacterial high-throughput screens

Bacterial protein purification.

• Recent high-quality original research publications in reputable peer-reviewed journals, commensurate with career stage.
• Experience teaching/supervising/mentoring postgraduate/undergraduate/school students and visiting researchers in the laboratory.

Please note the above is not an exhaustive list. For further information about the role including the essential and desirable criteria click on the ‘Candidate Information’ link below.

This post is available on a fixed term contract for 16 months, or available until 31/08/2025, whichever is sooner. Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but in particular circumstances may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding.

At Queen’s our people are at the heart of everything we do. As a staff member you will become part of a vibrant organisational culture, which will provide you with the opportunity to achieve your full potential and enhance your career through a continuous focus on learning and development.

We offer an excellent employment package that includes:

• Great terms & conditions
• Pension schemes
• Flexible working by enabling you to design your working week in collaboration with your manager through a blend of remote and office working
• Family-friendly initiatives
• Career development opportunities
• Support for health & mental wellbeing
• Generous holiday entitlement of 8.4 weeks a year (made up of 23 days annual leave, 10 closure days and 9 bank holidays)

Queen’s University is committed to promoting equality of opportunity to all. We have created an inclusive culture by establishing staff networks such as iRise (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and International Staff Network) and PRISM (LGBTQ+) which help us progress equality.

We also subscribe to Equality Charter Marks such as the Diversity Charter Mark NI in addition to Athena Swan. For further information on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, please visit:  www.qub.ac.uk/diversity ; www.qub.ac.uk/qgi  and www.qub.ac.uk/sites/StaffGateway/StaffNetworks/

Informal enquiries may be directed to Joana Sa Pessoa at [email protected]

Candidate Information

About the Wellcome Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine

Attractive Reward Package

Further Information for International Applicants