Research Fellow in Natural Product Discovery

Job Description

This post represents an exciting opportunity to join a research group developing novel antimicrobials to help respond to one of the greatest current threats to human health; antimicrobial resistance. The University of Plymouth invites applications for the position of Research Fellow from outstanding candidates with a proven research track record in natural product discovery.This is an excellent opportunity to be part of a progressive and cutting-edge University in a beautiful location, where you can really make a difference. The post is based in the School of Biomedical Sciences (SoBS) in the Faculty of Health (FoH). The FoH incorporates the Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry (PUPSMD), under which SoBS staff were returned in REF 2014. In terms of research output quality, PUPSMD was ranked as the top medical school in the UK. Research in SoBS is carried out within the Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), which has a growing reputation for world-class translational research, with three spin-out companies formed in the past 3 years. One of these is Amprologix Ltd, were Prof Upton is Chief Scientific Officer. A vibrant and growing research area within the BRC is in the Infection, Immunity and Inflammation theme and this post represents an opportunity to add to and develop this exciting area of research. The position is funded as part of an exciting initiative that sees the formation of a UK-South Africa antibiotic discovery Hub. Hosted at the University of Plymouth, you will become part of a unique consortium with UK partners at universities in Aberdeen, Bristol, Leeds and St Andrews. The consortium also includes partners in South Africa, based at Rhodes University, in Grahamstown. The initiative aims to accelerate antibiotic discovery and will focus predominantly on recovery of novel antimicrobials from UK and South African marine habitats.You will apply novel isolation methods for recovery of bacteria and fungi from a wide range of samples, screen cultured isolates for antimicrobial activity, purify and characterise active compounds and progress promising hits towards optimisation and downstream in vivo evaluation. Genomic and metagenomic approaches will be used to generate sequence data that will be mined in silico for identification of biosynthetic gene clusters that will be progressed for recombinant expression.The work will be based in Plymouth, but there is an expectation that the appointee will undertake research and training visits to other UK sites, predominantly at the University of Bristol for characterisation of purified hit compounds (MS/NMR etc). You will also be expected to contribute to short-term training workshops at Rhodes University, on an annual basis.You will be located in the new Derriford Research Facility, a £17m building equipped with excellent facilities. You will work with Professor Mat Upton and be part of a broader programme of research in antimicrobial discovery and development. You will be self-motivated with a proven track record of performance in natural product discovery and characterisation (including chromatography-based purification, mass spectrometry, NMR etc), medical microbiology and molecular biology. You should have a PhD in microbiology, biochemistry or a related disipline and will have a good understanding of research methods employed in antimicrobial discovery. Previous experience of work on a commercially focused project will be advantageous.Please demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Prof Mat Upton by email at (-upton) or by telephone on +44 (0).Interview date to be confirmed, (Interviews may take place over Zoom or similar electronic forum if necessary). You will be notified if you have been shortlisted or not.We offer a competitive salary package and a generous pension and holiday scheme. We also offer a range of other benefits, including ongoing development opportunities. A relocation package is available with this role (if applicable).This is a full-time position working 37 hours per week and is fixed-term for 36 months, in the first instance. Funding is provided by the Newton Fund, via the UK MRC and the South Africa MRC.Closing date: 12 midnight, Thursday 14 May 2020The University of Plymouth is committed to equality of opportunity, promoting a diverse and inclusive culture, demonstrated through our commitment to the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and as a Stonewall diversity champion. All applications will be judged solely on merit, however, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently under-represented in the workforce, for example black and minority ethnic groups. University of Plymouth holds a TEF (Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework) Silver by the Office for Students.The Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry holds a Silver Athena Swan Award and the University holds a Bronze Athena SWAN Award which recognises commitment to advancing women’s careers in STEMM academia.