Research Associate; Aspergillus fumigatus

Overview

The Bromley and Bertuzzi Laboratories within the Manchester Fungal Infection Group (MFIG) wish to appoint a laboratory-based Research Associate to an exciting project, funded by the Fleming Initiative, exploring drug target prioritisation in the human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. Working with collaborators at Imperial, our objective is to develop novel therapeutics to treat drug resistant human pathogens.

MFIG is an established international centre of excellence for fungal infection biology and translational antifungal research occupying modern, purpose-designed laboratories at The University of Manchester. Manchester hosts the largest centre in the world for research into and treatment of fungal respiratory and mucosal diseases, with more than 70 university and NHS staff and students, including 10 academics/clinician academics. MFIG is the academic research arm of this group and works alongside the National Aspergillosis Centre and the Mycology Reference Laboratory.

Our combined aim is to understand and reduce the burden of human fungal diseases.

During this position, the post-holder will utilise our genome-wide null mutant library in in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo functional genomics screens to identify factors that are critical for pathogenicity. We utilise in silico models to prioritise targets that have broad spectrum activity and resilient to the development of resistance. Working with our colleagues at Imperial we will develop candidate molecules that are active against these targets to determine druggability of the targets.

We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.

• Perform functional genomics screens (Bar‑seq) using large libraries of
  
  A. fumigatus isolates
• Generate sub-libraries of isolates using CRISPR based mutagenesis in
  
  A. fumigatus
• Carry out animal (mouse) infection studies using
  
  A. fumigatus
• Process large data sets using bioinformatic pipelines on various platforms
• Conduct individual and collaborative research projects

Essential Criteria:

• Have, or be about to obtain, a relevant PhD (or equivalent)
• Have experience in microbial culture
• Have experience in molecular biology techniques, including DNA extraction from microbes, PCR, transformation of microbial cells
• Have experience developing and implementing bioinformatic pipelines
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience with culture and genetic manipulation of filamentous fungi, particularly Aspergillus fumigatus
• Prior experience with animal models of infection, particularly with Aspergillus fumigatus
• Prior experience with high throughput phenotyping of microbes
• Ability to liaise confidently and effectively with a range of individuals
• Flexible approach to dealing with research problems as they arise

We value transferable skills and real‑world experience as much as formal qualifications.

• Generous employer contribution pension
• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
• Ride to work and EV car scheme available