KTP Research Associate in Bioinformatics and Advanced Genomics

Area
Veterinary Medicine & Science

Location
Sutton Bonington

Salary
£36,000 to £42,000per annum pro-rata depending on skills and experience.

Closing Date
Thursday 20 August 2026

Reference
MED
243526

University of Nottingham (UoN) invites applications for a KTP Research Associate in Bioinformatics and Advanced Genomics to join our exciting collaboration with Net Zero Nitrogen  Ltd (NZN). Based at NZN in Nottingham, you will report to the Chief Scientific Officer and work closely with NZN’s R&D team.

Working in partnership with academic experts (Dr Adam Blanchard and Dr Nicholas Girkin) in bioinformatics covering plant-microbe interactions, microbial genomics, RNASeq and nitrogen cycling in plants, you will lead a strategic project to develop cost-effective, sustainable biostimulants and biofertilizers optimised to be robust and reliable and replace environmentally damaging synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. As an enthusiastic researcher, this is a career-development opportunity for you to manage a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP).

Through the KTP, you will deliver a high-profile, commercially strategic project that will enable NZN to bring new, research-led bioinformatics knowledge essential for building a 'Toolbox' of knowledge to optimise their product formulations that give reproducible benefits to farmers year on year.

You will have the opportunity to demonstrate your ability to develop innovative solutions and communicate complex information to a variety of audiences within NZN and its stakeholders.

You should hold a PhD (or close to completion) in microbiology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, or a related life science discipline, or equivalent relevant expertise. We are looking for a candidate with experience in microbial culture and molecular techniques, alongside a basic competence in computational analysis. Familiarity with RNASeq, pan-genome analysis, and plant-microbe interaction studies is essential.

As a people-orientated individual, you will have the ability to influence and engage collaboratively with NZN, UoN and other stakeholders. As a proactive person, you will have the passion and desire for creating something new, be enthusiastic and motivated to organise your own time effectively and have a flexible approach to prioritising work tasks.

Throughout the KTP, you will be fully supported and mentored to nurture your talent. You will have your own budget of £2,000 pa for training and CPD, helping you develop your skillset and reach your personal and professional career goals. UoN is committed to providing competitive employment packages whilst supporting the well-being of its staff to help them reach their full potential.

As an employee of UoN, you will have access to the University’s resources and a range of benefits and rewards, including staff discounts, travel schemes and an attractive pension scheme. KTP is a UK Government scheme promoting sustained and mutually beneficial relationships between universities and industry.

This is a 24 months fixed-term contract. The post is based at Net Zero Nitrogen  in the Biodiscovery Institute, Nottingham NG7 2RD
. There is a possible relocation to Bio City, Pennyfoot Street, Nottingham, NG1 1GF
.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Adam Blanchard, email: ada Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

Our university is a supportive, inclusive, caring and positive community. We welcome those of different cultures, ethnicities and beliefs – indeed this very diversity is vital to our success, it is fundamental to our values and enriches life on campus. Visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion website.

To help you succeed, we published Candidate Guidance to provide support on the application and interview process.

We welcome applications from UK, Europe and worldwide and aim to make your move to the UK as smooth as possible. Visit the Moving to Nottingham page for details.

Your application will be considered on an equal basis, subject to the relevant permission to work in the UK as set out by UK Visas & Immigration .