Research Fellow

We are looking to recruit a Research Fellow on a full-time, fixed-term contract ending no later than 30 September 2029. An extension beyond 30 September 2029 is subject to approval from the funder (NERC).

Applications are invited for a Research Fellow position to work on a NERC-funded project titled “Partners in crime:
Does microbial cooperation exacerbate nitrous oxide emission from soil?”. The aim of the project is to understand how microbial interactions influence nitrogen cycling and N2O production from soil.

Ammonia oxidising microorganisms play a key role in the global nitrogen cycle, and are of major significance to climate change, food production and sustainable agriculture. Little is known about how ammonia oxidising microorganisms interact with other microorganisms in soil, and how these interactions and cooperation influence N2O flux. This research project will investigate the nature of interactions and nutrient exchange between ammonia oxidising and denitrifying microorganisms.

The results will help understand the roles of nitrogen cycling microorganisms in the environment, and provide fundamental, novel insights into the global biogeochemical nitrogen cycle.

Please note this is an on-campus based role due to the nature of the work, therefore we cannot accommodate any work from home.

Any requests for further information about the role can be directed to Prof. Laura Lehtovirta-Morley (laura.leh).

We are looking for someone with expertise in environmental microbiology but we also welcome applications from people with expertise in molecular microbiology including RNA-based techniques. Applicants should be proficient in microbial cultivation and gas chromatography. You must have a high degree of independence so that you can carry out research tasks and realise outputs (including publications).

If you have not yet been awarded your PhD but are near submission or have recently submitted your PhD, any offers of employment will be made as Research Assistant at the top of level 5 within the University grade structure. Upon successful award of your PhD and evidence of this fact, you will be promoted to Research Fellow on the first point of the level 6 of the University grade structure, unless exceptional experience applies to warrant a higher salary.

Closing Date:
Thursday 5 November 2026, 11:59pm (UK)

The interviews will be held:
To Be Confirmed

We believe that collegiality, openness, inclusivity and diversity are essential for an excellent research and teaching environment. Our workplace ethic has enabled us to gain the Athena SWAN Silver award. We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applications from all groups with protected characteristics traditionally under-represented in STEM fields. As part of our ongoing commitment to addressing gender equality under the Athena Swan charter mark, we would particularly encourage and welcome applications from female academics.

£36,320 to £46,970 per annum