Details
1096666
University of Warwick
01/09/2025
Ongoing
Mon – Fri 9 – 5 (36.5 hours per week)
Smart Casual
Pay
£18.50
£2.23
Description
Role
We are looking for an exceptional Research Fellow to join the Lehtovirta-Morley Research Group in the School of Life Sciences on a prestigious ERC-funded project exploring nitrogen cycling. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of environmental microbiology and biochemistry, investigating the ammonia monooxygenase enzyme, a key player in the global nitrogen cycle with profound implications for agriculture, ecosystems, and climate science.
As a Research Fellow, you will dive deep into the molecular world of microbial metabolism, helping to uncover the secrets of this essential enzyme. You’ll work side-by-side with a vibrant, collaborative team and lead research that spans biochemistry, microbiology, and environmental science.
What You’ll Do:
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Drive groundbreaking research into the structure and function of ammonia monooxygenase.
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Design, plan, and carry out experiments, and contribute innovative ideas to the direction of the project.
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Collaborate with leading scientists in the UK and abroad, and present your work at national and international conferences.
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Publish high-impact papers and build your profile as a leader in the field.
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Mentor and train students and junior researchers, and get involved in developing future research proposals.
What We’re Looking For:
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A PhD (or equivalent experience) in biochemistry, microbiology, or a related discipline.
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A strong track record in experimental research, especially in enzyme characterization or microbial metabolism.
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Creativity, independence, and a passion for fundamental discovery.
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Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset.
Why Join Us?
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Be part of an ambitious, internationally recognised research group.
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Work on a project with real-world relevance to climate, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.
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Access state-of-the-art facilities and training tailored to your career goals.
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Grow your research independence and contribute to shaping future projects.
Learn more about the lab and our work: www.lehtovirta-morleylab.com
Duties and responsibilities
Research
- Help establish a sound research base within the department in order to assist the development of research objectives and proposals for own or joint research.
- Conduct individual and collaborative research projects.
- To publish research outcomes in appropriate journals of international standing and to publish and disseminate the result of research to other reputable outlets.
- Translate knowledge of advances in the subject areas of environmental microbiology and biochemistry.
- May contribute to preparing proposals and applications to external bodies, e.g. for funding and contractual purposes, to support a developing research agenda.
- May present information on research progress and outcomes to bodies supervising research, e.g. steering groups.
- Communicate complex information (orally and in writing) and material of a specialist or highly technical nature.
- Continually update own knowledge and understanding in the area of nitrogen cycling, environmental microbiology, enzymes and biochemistry.
Teaching and Learning Support
- Could be expected to contribute to the teaching and learning programmes in the department.
- Assist in the supervision of student projects and the development of student research skills.
- May be involved in the assessment of student knowledge and supervision of projects.
Administration and Other Activities
- May be required to attend departmental meetings and to participate (where necessary) in other committees and working groups within the department, the faculty and the University.
- Ensure compliance with health and safety in all aspects of work.
- Work within budget constraints.
The duties and responsibilities outlined are not intended to be an exhaustive list but provide guidance on the main aspects of the job. You will be required to be flexible in your duties.
Skills and experience
Essential criteria:
E1. Good honours degree and possession of a PhD or equivalent in Biochemistry, Microbiology or related disciplines.
E2. Proficiency in protein expression, purification and characterisation.
E3. A developing research profile with the ability to publish and/or produce high quality research output.
E4. Breadth or depth of specialist knowledge and expertise in microbial biochemistry and enzymes.
E5. Experience of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes.
E6. Evidence of research ability/experience and quality research output in biochemistry including any experience gained during PhD studies and post PhD qualification.
E7. Effective communication skills (oral and written), including the ability to articulate and present research results to an audience and to ensure you are complying with and communicating on Health & Safety requirements.
E8. Ability to work independently and/or as part of a team on research programmes.
E9. Have an awareness of general Health and Safety requirements and how you would apply safe practices at work for yourself and others.
Desirable criteria:
D1. Knowledge of biogeochemical cycling and environmental microbiology.
D2. Expertise in characterisation of membrane proteins.
D3. Evidence of publications submitted to relevant journals in the topic area.
Location
On campus
Additional information
Advert closes: 17th July