Research Assistant in Microbiology

The Bates Lab () at the Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London is looking for a Research Associate to join a recently funded ARIA research programme at the interface of robotics, quantum sensing, and microbiology.

The successful candidate will work with an established library of Bd inhibitory bacteria to test and develop magnetic labelling methods, alongside experiments to optimise magnetobiont tracking and recovery. From this work, we aim to move bioaugmentation beyond passive microbial supplementation towards targeted, controllable microbial interventions for ecosystem and disease management.

The post holder will be an active member in the lab of Dr. Kieran Bates. They will work with group members and collaborators at Sheffield University to develop experiments, collect data, and conduct analyses. The post holder will also provide guidance to less experienced members of the group, including undergraduate and postgraduate students, and contribute to general lab management. The post is ideally suited to applicants with strong skills in microbiology, microbial ecology, bioengineering, flow cytometry, and microscopy.

You will hold an undergraduate degree in biological sciences or a similar quantitative science. You should have wet lab experience including microbiology and molecular biology. Experience in cell labelling methods is highly desirable. You should also have strong analytical skills, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

The Blizard Institute was established in 2003 and is one of six Institutes within the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, QMUL. The Institute is comprised of staff based in five academic Centres and one Public Engagement Centre and supports a combined total of c700 postgraduate research and taught students. The Blizard constitutes a world class biomedical research institute that integrates all stages of research from basic science through to clinical studies across a diverse range of fields including genomics, cell biology, translational immunology, neuroscience and trauma.

Our research addresses the health needs of our local population, while delivering new treatments on a global scale and aims to deliver excellence in all aspects of research, teaching and clinical service.

At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable. Throughout our history, we’ve fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. And we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it’s simply ‘the right thing to do’ but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers.

We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.

We offer competitive salaries, access to a generous pension scheme, 30 days’ leave per annum (pro-rata for part-time/fixed-term), a season ticket loan scheme and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, and campus facilities. Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes.

Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability. We are open to considering applications from candidates wishing to work flexibly.

£33,928 to £40,815 per annum