About the role We have an exciting opportunity in the Department of Life Sciences for someone with a passion for experimental biology looking to use their skills in molecular microbiology to make an impact on fundamental evolutionary research. You will be part of a highly collaborative team conducting internationally recognised research in the laboratory of Prof Tiffany Taylor ( https://tiffanybtaylor.wordpress.com/ ). Broadly, we use experimental evolution combined with molecular techniques to explore fundamental questions in evolutionary biology, such as the evolution of gene regulatory networks, the spread and maintenance of bacterial defence systems, and drivers of parallel evolution. You will be continuing work on a BBSRC funded project that aims to establish a bacterial model system that will empirically test key components impacting the predictability of evolution. The Taylor group is embedded within the molecular microbiology research groups and the Milner Centre for Evolution at the University of Bath. This position provides the opportunity to develop a range of laboratory skills, working in a multidisciplinary research environment in well equipped labs. The lab space at Bath provides a vibrant research environment, with graduate research students and postdocs. This is a full-time, fixed-term position, Monday to Friday, for up to 9 months. About you You will have a good degree in a relevant scientific discipline eg BSc in microbiology, biochemistry, molecular or cellular biology, biomedical sciences or other appropriate discipline. Research experience in microbiology and/or molecular biology is an advantage. You will also be required to contribute to the general day-to-day running of the lab, and may be asked to provide support on other projects. Your primary role will be to maintain experimental bacterial lines, perform phenotypic (e.g. growth, motility assays) and genetic (e.g. PCR and cloning) analyses, and optimise an innovative FACS machine sorting method for identifying target mutants. You will be organised, adaptable, and keen to learn. As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year. What we can offer you: a very generous employer contributory pension scheme generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance we are a family-friendly University and with an increasingly agile workforce, are open to flexible working arrangements an excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce a wide range of personal and professional development opportunities a number of support options available for new and existing staff to help with the cost of some immigration expenses which you may be eligible for: Relocation allowance, Visa Reimbursement, Interest-Free Loan. Find out more about our benefits. We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students, so we encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment. We are very proud to be an autism friendly university and are an accredited Disability Confident Leader ; committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff. Find out from our staff what makes the University of Bath a great place to work. Follow us UniofBath and UniofBathJobs on Twitter for more information. Closing Date: 09 Oct 2024 Department: Education & Research Salary: £29,605 to £36,024