Research Fellow - Microbiology
£32,397-£37,280 per annum (pro rata)
Six months fixed-term contract
About the Role
Plant diseases in glasshouses and polytunnels cause significant loss of crops each year. However, there is a growing need to lower pesticide usage to reduce environmental contamination, risk to human health, and the evolution of microbial resistance that may cause collateral resistances to other antimicrobial products.
We are seeking a motivated Research Fellow to join our industry-linked research project, funded by the National Biofilms Innovation Centre, which aims to develop an antimicrobial coating for plastics that reduces the prevalence of microbial plant pathogens within greenhouse and polytunnel settings with emphasis on fungal disease. The coating has been developed by our industry partner Gencoa Ltd. and the Research Fellow on this project will test the antimicrobial efficacy of this coating i) in laboratory conditions using standard assays and test organisms, ii) by developing more real-world relevant antimicrobial testing conditions and iii) by testing coated materials for microbial presence after exposure to glasshouse and polytunnel environments. This project will provide the data needed to take development of the Gencoa Ltd. coatings into the agricultural space.
This project is collaboration between The McLean research group based on our Clifton campus, our agriculture facilities on our Brackenhurst campus, and Gencoa Ltd. The vast majority of work will be undertaken in the Medical Technologies Innovation Facility on Clifton campus, with a few trips between Clifton campus and Brackenhurst campus required to set up glasshouse/polytunnel experiments and to retrieve samples. Experience in agriculture related microbiology and/or fungal research would be advantageous, though not essential. We particularly welcome applications from researchers with experience working with moulds.
For more details, please take a look at the role profile. We'll still consider applications even if you don't meet every single one of the requirements, so don't be put off if you don't match them perfectly. To ensure the diverse needs of our team are met we actively encourage secondments - we're focused on finding the right person for the role.
About Us
The School of Science and Technology at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) is an exciting multidisciplinary environment for learning, teaching and research, with some of the best facilities in the UK.
We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality teaching and diverse, real-world research. We specialise in biosciences, chemistry, computing and technology, as well as engineering, forensic science, mathematics, physics and sport science. This mix of traditional and modern subjects encourages and inspires future innovators.
Our courses in the Department of Biosciences are research-led, providing students with cutting-edge knowledge and access to high-specification facilities. It is one of the many reasons why our courses are accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science, the Royal Society of Biology and the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environment Management.
MTIF is a centre of excellence for research and collaboration with commercial and academic partners in the development and commercialisation of innovative medical technologies and therapies. MTIF brings together the science, researchers, commercial organisations and a unique facility to rapidly develop ideas, prove the science and clinical value, commercialise and bring these innovations to market rapidly for the benefit of patients and society.
For any informal queries about the role or the team, please contact Dr Samantha McLean (Associate Professor of Infection Prevention and Control) at samantha.mclean@ntu.ac.uk.
Join Us
- Between 30 and 35 days annual leave per year (dependent on grade) plus statutory bank holidays and 5 university closure days pro rata
- Flexibility - take ownership over how you get your work done. We're open to different working patterns and approaches.
- Salary Sacrifice Retirement Savings Plan with life assurance and income protection. Available to colleagues who choose to opt out of the contractual pension scheme. Minimum colleague contributions of 0% matched with minimum NTU contributions of 8%.
- Access to a wealth of formal and informal professional development opportunities to develop your skills and advance your career.
- Range of health and wellbeing services, voluntary benefits, discounts, and savings for all colleagues. Find out more about the range of benefits we offer at Benefits | Nottingham Trent University
- And a whole lot more…
Come and be part of our success. Apply today.
Safe and Inclusive
At NTU, we continue to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports and celebrates the diverse voices and experiences of our students and colleagues. We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring and we encourage people from underrepresented communities and backgrounds to apply to join our team.
Please note that unfortunately, this role has been assessed as ineligible for sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration points-based immigration system, upcoming immigration rules (4th April 2024) changes may impact on eligibility for sponsorship, we recommend that you assess your eligibility before applying for this position.
Visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa for more information. However, applications are welcome from candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK, but who would be eligible to obtain a valid visa via another route. Please consult the Home Office website for further information.
Please note that this role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and successful applicants will be asked to declare any unspent criminal convictions.
